Gaming system, gaming device and method employing audio/video programming outcome presentations

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which: (i) provides a gaming session and for each play of the primary game: (a) receives a selection from a plurality of different audiovisual categories, (b) receives a selection relating to audiovisual categories, (c) receives a primary game initiation signal caused by the selection, (d) in response to the primary game initiation signal, determines a random number, and uses the random number to determine a payout and an audiovisual clip to be displayed from the selected audiovisual category: the audiovisual clip being indicative of a magnitude of the determined payout, use of the determined audiovisual clip in the primary game causes the determined audiovisual clip to be disallowed for reuse in subsequent plays of the primary game of the gaming session.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of, claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/423,045, filed on Jun.8, 2006, which is a continuation of, claims the benefit of and priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/908,688, filed on May 23, 2005,which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/581,558, filed on Jun. 21, 2004, and which is acontinuation-in-part of, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/417,758, filed on Apr. 16, 2003, whichclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/373,111, filed on Apr. 16, 2002, the entire contentsof which are each incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within the casino gaming industry, slot machines typically generate mostof the profits realized by casino owners and operators. For this reason,numerous slot machine types and formats have been developed and areemployed within casinos (e.g., slot machines having a variety of displayformats for the reels or other game features of the slot machines,larger jackpots, etc.). By providing a large variety of slot machines,casino owners and operators may appeal to a larger audience, and acquireand retain slot machine players.

Despite the variety of available options, conventional slot machines maystill lack sufficient entertainment value to attract and retain slotmachine players. Specifically, many people view all or a portion of slotmachine play primarily as a passive, relatively boring experience.Accordingly, a need exists for improved slot machines that provide amore interactive and/or exciting gaming experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a first method of operating a gamingdevice is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1)determining an outcome value of a game result of the gaming device; (2)retrieving historical audio/video programming having content thatprovides an indication of the outcome value; and (3) providing thehistorical audio/video programming to a player of the gaming device. Thehistorical audio/video programming may comprise, for example, atelevision show, a sporting event, a movie, an animated show, or thelike.

In a second aspect of the invention, a second method of operating agaming device is provided. The second method is similar to the firstmethod, but includes the step of receiving a selection of aclassification of audio/video programming for a player of the gamingdevice. That is, the player of the gaming device may influence theselection of audio/video programming to be provided to the player.Exemplary classifications of audio/video programming may include, forexample, audio/video programming that relates to a particular sportingevent (or type of sporting event), team (or type of team), athlete,actor or actress, performance, etc.

In a third aspect of the invention, a method for use with a gamingdevice is provided. The method includes the steps of (1) receivinghistorical audio/video programming; (2) examining content of thehistorical audio/video programming; (3) determining an outcome value ofa game result of the gaming device that is indicatable by the content ofthe audio/video programming; and (4) associating the historicalaudio/video programming with the outcome value. One or more of the abovemethods may be performed, for example, by a controller and/or a gamingdevice.

Numerous other aspects of the invention are provided, as are systems,apparatus, computer program products and/or data structures inaccordance with these and other aspects of the invention. Each computerprogram product described herein may be carried by a medium readable bya computer (e.g., a carrier wave signal, a floppy disc, a hard drive, arandom access memory, etc.).

In another aspect of the invention, a gaming device control system isprovided. The gaming device control system includes means for receivinga game initiation signal, and means for initiating game play at a gamingdevice in response to the game initiation signal. The gaming devicecontrol system further includes means for determining a game result ofthe game play initiated at the gaming device and means for determiningan outcome value of the game result.

The gaming device control system also includes means for selectinghistorical audio/video programming having content that provides anindication of the outcome value and means for providing the historicalaudio/video programming to a player of the gaming device. Further, thegaming device control system includes means for at least arranging forpayment to the player based on the outcome value (e.g. if the gameresult is a winning game result).

With these and other advantages and features of the invention that willbecome hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may be moreclearly understood by reference to the following detailed description ofthe invention, to the appended claims and to the several drawingsattached herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming device controlsystem provided in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a controllerof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a gamingdevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A illustrates a sample of the contents of a first exemplaryoutcome database of FIG. 2 or 3.

FIG. 4B illustrates a sample of the contents of a second exemplaryoutcome database of FIG. 2 or 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sample of the contents of a probability database ofFIG. 2 or 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a first exemplary process of thegaming device control system of FIGS. 1-5 useful in describing thegeneral operation of the gaming device control system.

FIG. 7A illustrates a flow chart of a second exemplary process of thegaming device control system of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7B illustrates a flow chart of a third exemplary process of thegaming device control system of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sample of the contents of the session statusdatabase of the controller of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one or more embodiments of the invention, historical audio/videoprogramming may be provided to a player of a gaming device. Morespecifically, historical audio/video programming may be provided to theplayer during game play so as to indicate an outcome value the playerwill receive as a result of the game play. For example, in oneembodiment of the invention, a player may provide a wager andsubsequently pull a handle or actuate a button of a gaming device toinitiate game play at the gaming device. Thereafter, the gaming devicemay determine a game result for the game play (e.g., win or lose) and anaccompanying outcome value for the game play (e.g., no payment, a largepayment, a nominal payment, etc.). In place of a conventional (e.g.reel-based) display that indicates an outcome value of the game play,the present invention may retrieve historical audio/video programmingthat provides an indication of the outcome value, and provide thehistorical audio/video programming to the player.

The historical audio/video programming may comprise, for example, anaudio/video clip, a scene from a television show, movie, or animatedshow (e.g., a cartoon or animated motion picture), a concertperformance, a sporting event, etc., having a quality of performance,conveying a level of achievement and/or a historical significance thatis commensurate with, proportionate to or otherwise indicative of theoutcome value of the game result. For instance, audio/video programmingthat depicts a kick-off return during a football game may be employed toindicate an outcome value of a game result of a gaming device. If aplayer of a gaming device achieves a jackpot as an outcome value of gameplay, a gaming device may provide historical audio/video programmingdepicting e.g. a 105-yard kick-off return for a touchdown. Likewise, ifthe player achieves a no payment outcome value, the gaming device mayprovide historical audio/video programming depicting a fair catch, afumble, a touchback, etc. An intermediate distance kick-off return mayindicate an intermediate outcome value. In each case, an increased levelof player excitement and anticipation may be generated while the gamingdevice player watches a kick-off and attempted kick-off return duringgame play.

Other historical audio/video programming may be similarly employed(e.g., sporting events, acting performances, etc.), as described furtherbelow. Such historical audio/video programming presentation may occurbefore, during or after the game result and/or outcome value of gameplay is provided (or otherwise indicated) to a gaming device player.

By providing historical audio/video programming to a player of a gamingdevice so as to indicate an outcome value of a game result of the gamingdevice, numerous advantages are realized. When contrasted withconventional game play, such a gaming experience tends to be moreexciting, interactive, and in some cases more spontaneous. For example,in one or more embodiments of the invention, a player may be unaware ofthe outcome value and/or game result of game play while the historicalaudio/video programming is being provided. However, by viewing thehistorical audio/video programming to obtain an indication of theoutcome value and/or game result, a high level of excitement may result(e.g., as the player watches to see how far a kick-off is returned,whether a golfer makes a putt, whether a baseball player hits a home runor strikes out, whether an actress in a soap opera accepts or rejects amarriage proposal, etc.). Further, in one or more embodiments of theinvention, a player of a gaming device may specify a classification ofaudio/video programming that will be employed to provide indications ofoutcome values during game play (e.g., audio/video programming thatrelates to a particular sporting event or type of sporting event, team,athlete, actor or actress, etc.). For example, a gaming device playermay elect to have outcome values and/or game results conveyed to him inthe form of sporting highlights from a particular team from a particularera (e.g. 1940's New York Yankees highlights). Game play thereby may bemore personalized and/or satisfying. Accordingly, gaming devices thatoperate in accordance with the present invention may increase playersatisfaction, attract a larger pool of gaming device players andincrease the amount of time and/or money people are willing to spend ata gaming device. Casino profitability may thereby increase.

These and other aspects of the invention are described further belowwith reference to FIGS. 1-8.

Relevant Terminology

As used herein, a “gaming device” refers to a device operative to:accept monetary wagers as consideration for the presentation of a gameresult, the presentation of the game result being in the form ofhistorical audio and/or video programming; determine a random number,game result and/or outcome value; based on the determined random number,game result and/or outcome value, present historical audio and/or videoprogramming to a gaming device player, wherein the presented audioand/or video programming is indicative of the determined random number,outcome value and/or game result; and provide a monetary award to thegaming device player if the game result is a winning game result.

As used herein, “historical audio/video programming” refers to audioand/or video programming such as one or more of an audio/video clip, ascene from a television show movie, or animated show (e.g., a cartoon oranimated motion picture), one or more play(s) from a sporting event(e.g. a professional golfer executing a shot), an episode of atelevision show, etc. Historical audio/video programming may bepre-recorded audio/video programming and may convey to a gaming deviceplayer one or more of: a level of achievement or historical significanceassociated with the historical audio/video programming. As used herein,historical audio/video programming does not include the presentation ofdiscreet slot machine reel positions, symbols or paylines,representations of playing cards, roulette wheels or keno elements.Rather, it is a distinct feature of the present invention that a gamingdevice outcome value may be conveyed to a gaming device player via theutilization of historical audio/video such as audio/video conveying oneor more elements of e.g. a human performance (e.g. an athlete executinga play, an actor or actress reciting a line, performing within a certaincontext, portraying a particular type of scene or character etc.).Further, in accordance with the present invention, historicalaudio/video programming to be presented to a gaming device player may bedetermined via an independent and random process and not on the basis ofa traditional reel-based gaming device outcome.

Exemplary Embodiments of Gaming Device Control System

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming device controlsystem 100 provided in accordance with the present invention. The gamingdevice control system 100 includes a controller 102 in communicationwith a plurality of gaming devices 104 a-n and an event recording device106. Although three gaming devices 104 a-n are shown in FIG. 1, it willbe understood that fewer or more than three gaming devices may be incommunication with the controller 102. Further, the controller 102 maycomprise one or more controllers, and more than one event recordingdevice 106 may be employed. Exemplary embodiments of the controller 102are described below with reference to FIG. 2. Exemplary embodiments ofthe gaming devices 104 a-n are described below with reference to FIG. 3.

The gaming devices 104 a-n may be in communication with the controller102 via any conventional communications medium and/or protocol. Forexample, the gaming devices 104 a-n may communicate with the controller102 via a WEB-based connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), the Internet, other forms of internet protocol (IP)networks (e.g., intranets or extranets), a publicly switched telephonenetwork (PSTN), a wireless communications network or any other knowncommunications system/medium. Those skilled in the art will understandthat devices in communication with each other need only be “capable ofcommunicating with each other and need not be continually transmittingdata to or receiving data from each other. On the contrary, such devicesneed only transmit data to or receive data from each other as necessary,and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. Forexample, a device in communication with another device via the Internetmay not transmit data to the other device or receive data from the otherdevice for weeks at a time. Further, devices may be in communicationeven though steps may be required to establish a communication link(e.g., dialing a network service provider).

A variety of communications protocols may be part of the system 100,including but not limited to: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, SASTM, ATP,Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP. Further, in some embodiments, variouscommunications protocols endorsed by the Gaming Standards Association ofFremont, Calif., may be utilized, such as (i) the Gaming Device Standard(GDS), which may facilitate communication between a gaming device andvarious component devices and/or peripheral devices (e.g., printers,bill acceptors, etc.), (ii) the Best of Breed (BOB) standard, which mayfacilitate communication between a gaming device and various serversrelated to play of one or more gaming devices (e.g., servers that assistin providing accounting, player tracking, ticket-in/ticket-out andprogressive jackpot functionality), and/or (iii) the System-to-System(S2S) standard, which may facilitate communication between game-relatedservers and/or casino property management servers (e.g., a hotel servercomprising one or more databases that store information about bookingand reservations). Communication may be encrypted to ensure privacy andprevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

The event recording device 106 may comprise, for example, a televisioncamera or camcorder, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a DigitalVersatile Disk (or Digital Video Disk) (DVD) recorder, a televisionrecorder having data storage capability (e.g., TiVo® manufactured byPhillips™), a personal computer, a combination thereof, or any similardevice capable of recording audio/video programming and/or providingaudio/video programming to the controller 102. As with the gamingdevices 104 a-n, the event recording device 106 may be in communicationwith the controller 102 via any conventional communications mediumand/or protocol (as described above).

As will be described further below, in one or more embodiments of theinvention, the controller 102 may be adapted to receive historicalaudio/video programming (e.g., from a casino owner or operator, gamingdevice manufacturer, or other controller operator, the player of agaming device, etc., such as via the event recording device 106 or someother source), and provide the historical audio/video programming to oneor more of the gaming devices 104 a-n. The historical audio/videoprogramming then may be employed by the one or more gaming devices 104a-n during game play to indicate an outcome value of a game result ofthe game play. For example, the historical audio/video programming maycomprise one or more of a television show, a movie, an animated show(e.g., a cartoon or animated motion picture), a concert performance, asporting event, etc. The historical audio/video programming may convey aquality of performance, a level of achievement and/or a historicalsignificance that is commensurate with, proportionate to or otherwiseindicative of the outcome value of the game result of the game play. Incertain embodiments, the historical audio/video programming may bestored by one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n or provided directlyto a gaming device player.

In other embodiments of the invention, all or a portion of the functionsperformed by the controller 102 may be performed by the gaming devices104 a-n. For example, each gaming device 104 a-n may store historicalaudio/video programming locally (e.g., at the gaming device 104 a-n),and/or receive historical audio/video programming directly from theevent recording device 106. In one particular embodiment, all or a partof historical audio/video programming may be stored in a local memory ofa gaming device (e.g., in a suitable format such as MPEG2 as describedbelow). Such audio/video programming may be provided, for example, froman optical or magnetic storage media and periodically updated/loaded asrequired.

Whether stored locally or provided from a remote location, each gamingdevice 104 a-n may be adapted to output historical audio/videoprogramming to a player of the respective gaming device 104 a-n so as toindicate an outcome value of a game result of game play at therespective gaming device 104 a-n.

Exemplary Embodiments of the Controller

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thecontroller 102 of FIG. 1 (shown coupled to one of the gaming devices 104a-n, referred to as gaming device 104 in FIG. 2, and the event recordingdevice 106). The controller 102 may be implemented as a systemcontroller, as a dedicated hardware circuit, as an appropriatelyprogrammed general purpose computer, or as any other equivalentelectronic, mechanical or electro-mechanical device.

With reference to FIG. 2, the controller 102 comprises a processor 202,such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or moreIntel® Pentium® processors). The processor 202 is in communication witha communication port 204 through which the processor 202 communicateswith other devices (e.g., with the gaming devices 104 a-n, the eventrecording device 106 or other gaming devices or event recording devicesnot shown). The communication port 204 may include multiplecommunication channels for simultaneous communication with, for example,the gaming devices 104 a-n, the event recording device 106 and/or othergaming or event recording devices (not shown). As stated, devices incommunication with each other need not be continually transmitting toeach other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to eachother as necessary, may actually refrain from exchanging data most ofthe time, and may require several steps to be performed to establish acommunication link between the devices.

The processor 202 also is in communication with a data storage device206. The data storage device 206 may comprise an appropriate combinationof magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, forexample, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compactdisc and/or a hard disk. The processor 202 and the data storage device206 each may be, for example, located entirely within a single computeror other computing device; or connected to each other by a communicationmedium, such as a serial port cable, a telephone line or a radiofrequency transceiver. Alternatively, the controller 102 may compriseone or more computers that are connected to a remote server computer(not shown) for maintaining databases.

The data storage device 206 may store, for example, (i) a program 208(e.g., computer program code and/or a computer program product) adaptedto direct the processor 202 in accordance with the present invention,and particularly in accordance with the processes described in detailhereinafter with regard to the controller 102; (ii) an outcome database210 adapted to store information that may be utilized to determine agame result (e.g., win/lose, pay 5 credits, deduct 5 credits, etc.), anassociated outcome value and/or associated audio/video programming forone or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n; (iii) a probability database212 adapted to store information that may be utilized to establishfrequencies with which various outcome values will occur at one or moreof the gaming devices 104 a-n; and (iv) a session status database 214adapted to store information that may be employed to determine whethercertain historical audio/video programming may be provided to a playerof a gaming device 104 a-n during game play at the gaming device 104a-n. Exemplary embodiments of the databases 210-214 are described belowwith reference to FIGS. 4A-5 and FIG. 8.

The program 208 may be stored, for example, in a compressed, anuncompiled and/or an encrypted format, and may include computer programcode that allows the controller 102 to employ the communication port 204to:

-   -   1. determine an outcome value of a game result at one of the        gaming devices 104 a-n (e.g., by receiving a random number from        one of the gaming devices 104 a-n and determining the outcome        value based on the random number, by receiving the outcome value        directly from one of the gaming devices, etc.);    -   2. retrieve historical audio/video programming having content        that provides an indication of the outcome value of the game        result; and/or    -   3. provide the historical audio/video programming to a player of        the gaming device (e.g., by providing the historical audio/video        programming to one of the gaming devices 104 a-n or directly to        the player).

Suitable computer program code may be provided for performing numerousother functions such as receiving historical audio/video programming,analyzing content of historical audio/video programming, determining anoutcome value of a game result of a gaming device that is indicatable bythe content of the audio/video programming, storing the outcome valuesuch that the outcome value is correlated to at least a pointer to thehistorical audio/video programming, receiving payment in exchange forgame play and/or the provision of historical audio/video programming,providing a payout if a player wins, receiving a selection of aclassification of historical audio/video programming from a player ofone of the gaming devices 104 a-n, providing historical audio/videoprogramming that is included within the selected classification to theplayer, etc. The computer program code required to implement the abovefunctions (and the other functions described herein) can be developed bya person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not described in detailherein.

The controller 102 may include any peripheral devices (e.g.,microphones, speakers, a keyboard, a computer display, a touch screen,LCD, voice recognition software, an optical or magnetic read head, etc.,generally represented by input/output devices 216 in FIG. 2) required toimplement the above functionality. The program 208 also may includeprogram elements such as an operating system, a database managementsystem and “device drivers” that allow the processor 202 to interfacewith computer peripheral devices (e.g., a video display, a keyboard, acomputer mouse, etc.).

Note that instructions of the program 208 may be read into a main memory(not shown) of the processor 202 from a computer-readable medium otherthan the data storage device 206, such as from a ROM or from a RAM.While execution of sequences of instructions in the program 208 causesthe processor 202 to perform the process steps described herein,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with,software instructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software.

The processor 202 also may be in communication with a clock (not shown)that supplies time and date information to the processor 202 and thatmay comprise, for example, a clock internal to the processor 202, aclock external to the processor 202 or a clock embodied within theprogram 208 (e.g., based on a system clock not shown).

Exemplary Embodiments of the Gaming Devices

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the gamingdevice 104 a of FIG. 1 (shown coupled to the controller 102, which is inturn shown coupled to the event recording device 106). The gamingdevices 104 b-n may be similarly configured. As stated, each gamingdevice 104 a-n may comprise a device operative to: accept monetarywagers as consideration for the presentation of a game result, thepresentation of the game result being in the form of historical audioand/or video programming; determine a random number, game result and/oroutcome value; based on the determined random number, game result and/oroutcome value, present historical audio and/or video programming to agaming device player, wherein the presented audio and/or videoprogramming is indicative of the determined random number, outcome valueand/or game result; and provide a monetary award to the gaming deviceplayer if the game result is a winning game result.

Any and all of the gaming devices 104 a-n may be implemented as a systemcontroller, a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmedgeneral-purpose computer, or any other equivalent electronic, mechanicalor electro-mechanical device. A gaming device may comprise, for example,a slot machine, a video poker machine, a video blackjack machine, avideo keno machine, a video lottery machine, a pachinko machine or atable-top game adapted to output results of game plays via historicalaudio/video content, as described herein. In various embodiments, agaming device may comprise, for example, a personal computer (e.g.,which communicates with an online casino Web site), a telephone (e.g.,to communicate with an automated sports book that provides gamingservices), or a portable handheld gaming device (e.g., a PDA). A gamingdevice may comprise any or all of the gaming devices of theaforementioned systems. In some embodiments, a user device such as a PDAor cell phone may be used in place of, or in addition to, some or all ofthe gaming device components. Further, a gaming device may comprise apersonal computer or other device operable to communicate with an onlinecasino and facilitate game play at the online casino. In one or moreembodiments, the gaming device may comprise a computing device operableto execute software in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

With reference to FIG. 3, the gaming device 104 a comprises a processor302, such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or moreIntel® Pentium® processors). The processor 302 is in communication witha communication port 304 through which the processor 302 communicateswith other devices (e.g., with the controller 102, with the eventrecording device 106 or with other devices not shown). The communicationport 304 may include multiple communication channels for simultaneouscommunication with multiple devices. As stated, devices in communicationwith each other need not be continually transmitting to each other. Onthe contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other asnecessary, may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time,and may require several steps to be performed to establish acommunication link between the devices.

The processor 302 also is in communication with a data storage device306. The data storage device 306 may comprise an appropriate combinationof magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, forexample, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compactdisc and/or a hard disk. The processor 302 and the data storage device306 each may be, for example, located entirely within a single computeror other computing device; or connected to each other by a communicationmedium, such as a serial port cable, a telephone line or a radiofrequency transceiver. Alternatively, the gaming device 104 a maycomprise one or more computers that are connected to a remote servercomputer (not shown) for maintaining databases.

The data storage device 306 may store, for example, a program 308 (e.g.,computer program code and/or a computer program product) adapted todirect the processor 302 in accordance with the present invention, andparticularly in accordance with the processes described in detailhereinafter with regard to the gaming devices 104 a-n. In one or moreembodiments wherein all or part of the functionality of the controller102 (FIG. 2) is implemented by the gaming device 104 a, the gamingdevice 104 a may include one or more databases similar to the databases210-214 described previously with reference to FIG. 2. For convenience,the same reference numerals for these databases are employed in FIGS. 2and 3. Specifically, the data storage device 306 may store (i) theoutcome database 210 adapted to store information that may be utilizedto determine a game result (e.g., win/lose, etc.), an associated outcomevalue and/or associated audio/video programming for the gaming device104 a; and (ii) the probability database 212 adapted to storeinformation that may be used to establish frequencies with which variousoutcome values will occur at the gaming device 104 a. Though not shownin FIG. 3, the data storage device 306 also may include the sessionstatus database 214 adapted to store information that may be employed todetermine whether certain historical audio/video programming may beprovided to a player of the gaming device 104 a during game play at thegaming device 104 a. Note that when the session status database 214 isemployed by a gaming device 104 a-n, the session status database 214typically will contain information relating only to the respectivegaming device 104 a-n (unlike the session status database 214 describedbelow with reference to FIG. 8 which contains information relating toseveral gaming devices).

One or more of the databases 210-214 may be eliminated if thecorresponding functionality is provided by the controller 102. Exemplaryembodiments of the databases 210-214 are described below with referenceto FIGS. 4B-5 and 8.

Additionally, where appropriate, a player database (not shown) may beutilized to store historical data associated with specific players. Aplayer database may be used, for example, to store player wager data sothat players wagering over a given threshold in a given amount of timemay be rewarded for their patronage. The player database may alsocontain other information that may be useful in, for example, promotingand managing player behaviors (e.g., information about the player'sgaming preferences, outstanding debts, lodging arrangements, and thelike). Further, the player database may store data regarding a givenplayer's standing in a game session or bonus game, so that the playercan continue the game session or bonus game at a plurality of gamemachines that have common access to the player database. Such playerdata may be stored in a relational database and retrieved or otherwiseaccessed by the processor after receiving a “key” data point from theplayer, such as a unique identifier read from the player's playertracking card or cashless gaming ticket.

Note that, although the databases 210-214 are described as being storedin a gaming device, in other embodiments of the present invention someor all of these databases may be partially or wholly stored in anotherdevice, such as one or more of peripheral devices, a peripheral deviceserver, central server, kiosks, casino personnel devices, merchant POSterminals, and so on. Further, some or all of the data described asbeing stored in the databases may be partially or wholly stored (inaddition to or in lieu of being stored in the memory of the gamingdevice) in a memory of one or more other devices, such as one or more ofthe peripheral devices, another gaming device, the peripheral deviceserver and/or the server.

The program 308 may be stored, for example, in a compressed, anuncompiled and/or an encrypted format, and may include computer programcode that allows the gaming device 104 a to:

-   -   1. determine an outcome value of a game result at the gaming        device 104 a (e.g., based on a random number generated by the        gaming device 104 a);    -   2. retrieve historical audio/video programming having content        that provides an indication of the outcome value of the game        result; and/or    -   3. provide the historical audio/video programming to a player of        the gaming device 104 a.

Suitable computer program code may be provided for performing numerousother functions such as receiving historical audio/video programming,analyzing content of historical audio/video programming, determining anoutcome value of a game result of the gaming device that is indicatableby the content of the audio/video programming, storing the outcome valuesuch that the outcome value is correlated to at least a pointer to thehistorical audio/video programming, receiving payment in exchange forgame play and/or the provision of historical audio/video programming,providing a payout if a player wins, receiving a selection of aclassification of historical audio/video programming from a player ofthe gaming device, providing historical audio/video programming that isincluded within the selected classification to the player, etc.

The computer program code required to implement the above functions (andthe other functions described herein) can be developed by a person ofordinary skill in the art, and is not described in detail herein. Theprogram 308 also may include program elements such as an operatingsystem, a database management system and “device drivers” that allow theprocessor 302 to interface with computer peripheral devices (e.g., avideo display, a keyboard, a computer mouse, etc.).

Note that instructions of the program 308 may be read into a main memory(not shown) of the processor 302 from a computer-readable medium otherthan the data storage device 306, such as from a ROM or from a RAM.While execution of sequences of instructions in the program 308 causesthe processor 302 to perform the process steps described herein,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with,software instructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to the processor of thegaming device (or any other processor of a device described herein) forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, suchas memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM),which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media includecoaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires thatcomprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media maycarry acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radiofrequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM,DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM orEEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), aFLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave asdescribed hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer canread.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor 302 (orany other processor of a device described herein) for execution. Forexample, the instructions may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of aremote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into itsdynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using amodem. A modem local to a gaming device (or, e.g., a server) can receivethe data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter toconvert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector can receivethe data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on a systembus for the processor. The system bus carries the data to main memory,from which the processor retrieves and executes the instructions. Theinstructions received by main memory may optionally be stored in memoryeither before or after execution by the processor. In addition,instructions may be received via a communication port as electrical,electromagnetic or optical signals, which are exemplary forms of carrierwaves that carry data streams representing various types of information.Thus, the gaming device may obtain instructions in the form of a carrierwave.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such from a ROM. Execution of sequences of theinstructions in program causes processor perform the process stepsdescribed herein. In alternate embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may beused in place of, or in combination with, software instructions forimplementation of the processes of the present invention. Thus,embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specificcombination of hardware and software. As discussed with respect toaforementioned systems, execution of sequences of the instructions in aprogram of a peripheral device in communication with the gaming devicemay also cause the processor to perform some of the process stepsdescribed herein.

The processor 302 also may be in communication with a clock (not shown)that supplies time and date information to the processor 302 and thatmay comprise, for example, a clock internal to the processor 302, aclock external to the processor 302 or a clock embodied within theprogram 308 (e.g., based on a system clock not shown).

The gaming device 104 a may include any additional components requiredto implement the above functionality. For example, the gaming device 104a may include one or more input devices 310 such as a microphone, atouch screen, a keyboard or keypad, voice recognition software/hardware,an optical or magnetic read head, a card reader, a coin accepter and/ora paper currency validator, a bar code reader (e.g., for discerningvalue from “cashless” gaming vouchers), a game play initiator such as abutton or handle, a biometric device for determining an identity or ageof a player, a credit or debit card authorization terminal, etc.

The gaming device 104 a also may include one or more output devices 312for outputting appropriate audio/video programming and game play resultsto a player of the gaming device 104 a, audio/video programmingclassification selections, menus, etc. For example, the gaming device104 a may comprise one or more speakers, a cathode ray tube or flatpanel display, a projector, LCD, etc. Note that the controller 102 mayinclude similar input or output devices.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming device 104 aalso may include a random or pseudo-random number generator 314 that maybe utilized by the gaming device 104 a and/or the controller 102 fordetermining a game result (e.g., after game play has been initiated atthe gaming device 104 a). The random number generator 314 also may beemployed to determine a corresponding outcome value/payout (and/orcorresponding historical audio/video programming) to be provided to aplayer of the gaming device 104 a as described further below. The randomnumber generator 314 may be embodied in hardware, software or acombination thereof as is known in the art, and may include one or morefeatures that prevent or identify tampering.

Note that, although the generation or obtainment of a random number isdescribed herein as involving a random number generator of a gamingdevice, other methods of determining a random number may be employed.For example, a gaming device owner or operator may obtain sets of randomnumbers that have been generated by another entity. HotBits™, forexample, is a service that provides random numbers that have beengenerated by timing successive pairs of radioactive decays detected by aGeiger-Muller tube interfaced to a computer. A blower mechanism thatuses physical balls with numbers thereon may be used to determine arandom number by randomly selecting one of the balls and determining thenumber thereof.

Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, arandom number generator may be stored in a device other than a gamingdevice. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming device may receiverandom numbers and/or any other data related to the random orpseudo-random determination of an outcome from a separate device, suchas a server. It should be noted that such embodiments may beadvantageous in environments or jurisdictions wherein the “centraldetermination” of outcomes is required by regulation or otherwisepreferred.

To assist in payouts as a result of winning game results at the gamingdevice 104 a, the gaming device 104 a may include a hopper controller316 and a hopper 318. The hopper controller 316 may be configured toinstruct the hopper 318 when to dispense payment, and how much paymentto dispense, to a player as a result of a winning game result at thegaming device 104 a. Hoppers and hopper controllers are well known inthe casino gaming device arts and will not be described in furtherdetail herein.

Of course, the gaming device 104 a may include, in addition to or inlieu of the hopper controller 316 and hopper 318, one or more othertypes of benefit output devices. A benefit output device may compriseone or more devices for outputting a benefit to a player of the gamingdevice. For example, in one embodiment the gaming device 104 a mayprovide coins and/or tokens as a benefit. As described, in such anembodiment the benefit output device may comprise a hopper and hoppercontroller (e.g., such as hopper 318 and hopper controller 316), fordispensing coins and/or tokens into a coin tray of the gaming device. Inanother example, the gaming device 104 a may provide a receipt or otherdocument on which there is printed an indication of one or more benefits(e.g., a cashless gaming ticket as is known in the art). In such anembodiment, the benefit output device may comprise a printing anddocument dispensing mechanism. In yet another example, the gaming device104 a may provide electronic credits as a benefit (which, e.g., may besubsequently converted to coins and/or tokens and dispensed from ahopper into a coin tray). In such an embodiment, the benefit outputdevice may comprise a credit meter balance and/or a processor thatmanages the amount of electronic credits that is indicated on a displayof a credit meter. In yet another example, the gaming device 104 a maycredit a monetary amount to a financial account associated with a playeras a benefit provided to a player. The financial account may be, forexample, a credit card account, a debit account, a charge account, achecking account, or a casino account (e.g., an account from which theplayer may access cashable and/or non-cashable funds using a playertracking card or smart card). In such an embodiment the benefit outputdevice may comprise a device for communicating with a server on whichthe account is maintained. Note that, in one or more embodiments, thegaming device 104 a may include more than one benefit output device. Forexample, the gaming device may include both a hopper and hoppercontroller combination and a credit meter balance. Such a gaming devicemay be operable to provide more than one type of benefit to a player ofthe gaming device. A single benefit output device may be operable tooutput more than one type of benefit. For example, a benefit outputdevice may be operable to increase the balance of credits in a creditmeter and communicate with a remote device in order to increase thebalance of a financial account associated with a player.

The processor 302 may also be operable to communicate with one or moreoutput devices, as described above. As described, in some embodiments,an output device comprises a display device. The display device maycomprise, for example, one or more display screens or areas foroutputting information related to game play and/or other informationrelevant to the gaming device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor,liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or light emitting diode (LED)screen. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may comprise morethan one display device. For example, a gaming device may comprise anLCD display for displaying historical audio/video content. The displaydevice may comprise, for example, one or more display areas. Forexample, one of the display areas (e.g., a primary game screen) maydisplay outcomes of games played on the gaming device (e.g., electronicreels of a gaming device). Another of the display areas (e.g., asecondary game screen) may display rules for playing a game of thegaming device. Yet another of the display areas may display the benefitsobtainable by playing a game of the gaming device (e.g., in the form ofa payout table).

The processor may also be in communication with one or more other outputdevices besides the display device, for outputting information (e.g., toa person or another device). Such other one or more output devices mayalso be components of a gaming device. Such other one or more outputdevices may comprise, for example, an audio speaker (e.g., foroutputting an outcome or information related thereto, in addition to orin lieu of such information being output via a display device);headphones; an infra-red transmitter; a radio transmitter; an electricmotor; a printer (e.g., such as for printing cashless gaming tickets); adispenser for outputting pre-printed coupons, tickets or vouchers; aninfra-red port (e.g., for communicating with a second gaming device or aportable device of a player); one or more universal serial bus (USB)ports; a Braille computer monitor; and a coin or bill dispenser. Forgaming devices, common output devices include a cathode ray tube (CRT)monitor on a video poker machine, a bell on a gaming device (e.g., ringswhen a player wins), an LED display of a player's credit balance on agaming device, an LCD display of a personal digital assistant (PDA) fordisplaying keno numbers.

The processor 302 may also be in communication with one or more inputdevices, which may be capable of receiving an input (e.g., from a playeror another device) and which may be a component of gaming device.Alternately or additionally, an input device may communicate with or bepart of another device (e.g., a server, a gaming device, etc.). Someexamples of input devices include: a bar-code scanner, an opticalscanner configured to read other indicia of a voucher or cashless gamingticket, a CCD camera, a magnetic stripe reader (e.g., for reading dataencoded upon a player tracking card), a smart card reader (e.g., forreading data stored upon a smart card), a computer keyboard or keypad, abutton, a handle, a lever, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, aninfrared sensor, a voice recognition module, a coin or bill acceptor, asonic ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a motion detector, adigital camera, a network card, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a GPSreceiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, an RFreceiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, an infrared port (e.g., forreceiving communications from a second gaming device or from a anotherdevice such as a smart card or PDA of a player), and a weight scale. Forgaming devices, common input devices include a button or touch screen ona video poker machine, a lever or handle connected to the gaming device,a magnetic stripe reader to read a player tracking card inserted into agaming device, a touch screen for input of player selections during gameplay, and a coin and bill acceptor.

The processor 302 may also be in communication with a payment system,which may be a component of the gaming device. The payment system is adevice capable of accepting payment from a player (e.g., a bet orinitiation of a balance) and/or providing payment to a player (e.g., apayout). Payment is not limited to money, but may also include othertypes of consideration, including products, services, and alternatecurrencies. Exemplary methods of accepting payment by the payment systeminclude (i) receiving hard currency (i.e. coins or bills), andaccordingly the payment system may comprise a coin or bill acceptor;(ii) receiving an alternate currency (e.g., a paper cashless gamingticket, a coupon, a non-negotiable token), and accordingly the paymentsystem may comprise a bar code reader or other sensing means; (iii)receiving a payment identifier (e.g., a credit card number, a debit cardnumber, a player tracking card number) and debiting the accountidentified by the payment identifier; and (iv) determining that a playerhas performed a value-added activity (e.g., participating in surveys,monitoring remote images for security purposes, referring friends to thecasino).

In some embodiments, a gaming device may comprise components capable offacilitating both input and output functions (i.e., input/outputdevices). In one example, a touch-sensitive display screen comprises aninput/output device (e.g., the device outputs graphics and receivesselections from players). In another example, a processor maycommunicate with a “ticket-in/ticket-out” device configured to dispenseand receive cashless gaming tickets as is known in the art. Such adevice may also assist in (e.g., provide data so as to facilitate)various accounting functions (e.g., ticket validation and redemption).For example, any or all of a gaming device, kiosk and casino personneldevice maintained at a cashier cage may (i) comprise such a benefitinput/output device, and/or (ii) communicate with a central server thatmanages the accounting associated with such ticket-in/ticket-outtransactions (e.g., so as to track the issuance, redemption andexpiration of such vouchers). One example of such ticket-in/ticket-outtechnology, the EZ Pay™ system, is manufactured by International GamingTechnology, headquartered in Reno, Nev.

Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, agaming device may comprise various combinations of such componentdevices. For example, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device mayinclude more than one display device, one or more other output devices,several input devices, and so on (e.g., two display screens, two audiospeakers, a ticket-in/ticket-out device and several buttons).

As described, in some embodiments, a slot machine may comprise a readerdevice for reading data from player tracking cards and/or smart cards,such that (i) players may be identified, and (ii) various dataassociated with players may then be determined (e.g., a number ofcashable credits; a number of promotional credits that may not beredeemed for cash; a number of accumulated loyalty points; a number ofaccumulated game elements such as symbols, cards or hands; etc.). In oneexample, a card reader device may determine an identifier associatedwith a player (e.g., by reading a player tracking card comprising anencoded version of the identifier), such that the gaming device may thenaccess data (e.g., of a player database, as described) associated withthe player. In another example, a smart card reader device may determinedata associated with a player directly by accessing a memory of aninserted smart card.

Thus, as known in the art, “smart cards” may incorporate (i) a memory,and (ii) means for accessing such a memory. For example, in oneembodiment, the memory may store data related to aspects of the presentinvention. In one embodiment, data may be written to the smart card as aplayer plays one or more gaming devices (e.g., such that various datamay be updated on a continuous, periodic or event-triggered basis).Accordingly, in one or more embodiments one or more devices operable tocarry out various processes of the present invention (e.g., a gamingdevice or kiosk) may have associated therewith a smart card readerdevice, such that data may be read from the smart card pursuant to theexecution of such processes. An example of a smart card system that maybe used to implement one or more embodiments of the present invention isthe s-Choice™ Smart Card Casino Management System from Smart CardIntegrators, Inc.™.

Further, as known in the art, a gaming device may comprise a playertracking module comprising (i) a card reader (e.g., a port into whichplayer tracking cards may be inserted), (ii) various input devices(e.g., a keypad, a touch-screen), (iii) various output devices (e.g., asmall, full-color display screen), and/or (iv) combinations thereof(e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen that accommodates both input andoutput functions). Various commercially available devices may besuitable for such an application, such as the NextGen™ interactiveplayer tracking panel manufactured by IGT or the iVIEW display screenmanufactured by Bally® Gaming and Systems.

Of course, other non-card-based methods of identifying players arecontemplated. For example, a unique identification code may beassociated with the player. The player may then be identified uponentering the code. For example, the code may be stored (e.g., within adatabase maintained within the gaming device and/or a server) such thatthe player may enter the code using an input device of a gaming device,and accordingly be identified. In other embodiments, player biometricsmay serve as identification means (e.g., a player is identified via athumbprint or retinal scan). In further embodiments, a barcode of acashless gaming ticket may encode a player identifier.

Thus, as described, various data associated with a player may be trackedand stored (e.g., in an appropriate record of a centrally-maintaineddatabase), such that it may be accessed as desired (e.g., whendetermining promotional offers or rewards to be provided to players,when determining the status of player with respect to a particular gameor period of gambling activity, and so on). Further, various statisticsmay be measured in association with a player (e.g., coin-in statistics,win/loss statistics) and similarly accessed.

Various systems for facilitating such monitoring are contemplated. Forexample, a two-wire system such as one offered by International GamingSystems (IGT) may be used. Similarly, a protocol such as the IGT SAS™protocol may be used. The SAS™ protocol allows for communication betweengaming machines and slot accounting systems and provides a secure methodof communicating all necessary data supplied by the gaming device to theonline monitoring system. One aspect of the SAS™ protocol that may bebeneficial in implementing aspects of the present invention is theauthentication function which allows operators and regulators toremotely interrogate gaming devices for important memory verificationinformation, for both game programs, and peripheral devices. In anotherexample, a one-wire system such as the OASIS™ System offered byAristocrat Technologies™ or the SDS slot-floor monitoring system offeredby Bally Gaming and Systems™ may be used. Each of the systems describedabove is an integrated information system that continually monitors slotmachines and customer gaming activity. Thus, for example, any one ofthese systems may be used to monitor a player's gaming activity in orderto determine player outcomes, coin-in statistics, win/loss statisticsand/or any other data deemed relevant.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, an additional memory ordata storage unit 320 may be provided, for example, to serve as anintermediate storage location for audio/video programming being providedto the gaming device 104 a from a remote source (e.g., the controller102, the event recording device 106 or another location). As stated, thegaming devices 104 b-n may be configured similarly to the gaming device104 a of FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may include devices in addition tothose described with respect to FIG. 1. For example, the system 100 mayinclude one or more kiosks and/or one or more casino personnel devices.

A kiosk may be a device configured to execute or assist in the executionof various processes of the present invention. In some embodiments, akiosk may comprise a processor and a memory as described. A kiosk mayalso comprise various input devices (e.g., a keypad, a keyboard, amouse, buttons, a port that receives player tracking cards, an opticalscanner for reading barcodes or other indicia, a CCD camera, etc.),output devices (e.g., a display screen, audio speakers, etc.), benefitoutput devices (e.g., a coin tray or printer for printing cashlessgaming tickets), combinations thereof (e.g., a “ticket-in/ticket-out”device, a touch-sensitive display screen, etc.), communications ports,and so on. Thus, a kiosk may comprise many of the features andcomponents of a gaming device, though the kiosk itself may notnecessarily be configured to enable gambling activity as a primaryfunction. A kiosk may communicate with any or all of (i) a centralcontroller, (ii) a gaming device, (iii) an inventory/reservation systemof a casino-maintained property (e.g., a hotel), (iv) casino personneldevices, (v) merchant POS terminals, and so on. A number of kiosks maybe stationed within casino premises (e.g., at various locations on aslot floor). In various embodiments, kiosks may execute or assist in theexecution of (i) determining and outputting a player status or othertypes of data described herein (e.g., a kiosk receives a player trackingcard, and outputs a number of accumulated reward which a player may beentitled to redeem), (ii) outputting payments to players (e.g., uponreceipt of cashless gaming tickets, player tracking cards, smart cards,etc.), and/or (iii) any other process described herein. Thus, such adevice may be configured to read from and/or write to one or moredatabases of the present invention. The memory of such a device maystore a program for executing such processes.

In some embodiments, various casino employees may be equipped with orotherwise utilize one or more casino personnel devices, such as personaldigital assistants (PDAs) or other computing devices (e.g., personalcomputer terminals). A casino personnel device may comprise variousinput devices (e.g., a keypad, a touch-sensitive display screen, a cardreader, an infrared bar code scanner, etc.), various output devices(e.g., an LCD screen), a processor, a memory and/or a communicationsport, as described herein with respect to other devices. In someembodiments, a casino personnel device may communicate with a gamingdevice, server, kiosk, peripheral device, and/or aninventory/reservation system of a casino-maintained property (e.g., ahotel). Thus, a casino personnel device may be configurable to, amongother things, (i) read from and/or write to one or more databases of thepresent invention, (ii) assist in payments made to players (e.g., arepresentative “scans” a cashless gaming receipt and determines a valueassociated with the receipt, and if the receipt is valid, providespayment equal to the value), and/or (iii) execute or assist in theexecution of various other processes described herein. The memory ofsuch a device may store a program for executing such processes.

In some embodiments, various merchants (e.g., shops, restaurants, etc.)may utilize point-of-sale (POS) computer terminals to facilitate variousprocesses of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, aplayer may receive a cashless gaming ticket redeemable for an amount ofcurrency. However, the ticket may alternately or additionally beredeemable for an amount of credit at a particular merchant location.Thus, in some embodiments, merchants may utilize POS terminals to redeemsuch vouchers. In some embodiments, such devices may be configured toread from and/or write to one or more databases of the presentinvention. Such POS terminals may thus comprise various hardware andsoftware described herein with respect to other devices, and maycommunicate with (i) a central slot server, (ii) a gaming device, (iii)an inventory/reservation system (e.g., a computer terminal at a theatrecommunicates with an inventory database to determine a number of unsoldseats for a certain event), (iv) a kiosk, and so on.

In some embodiments of the present invention, various component devices(e.g., any or all of the benefit output devices, output devices, inputdevices and/or input output devices described herein) may be embodied asperipheral devices. For example, such devices may not necessarily becomponents of a gaming device, though they may be configured in such amanner so as to communicate with one or more gaming device processors orany other devices described herein. For example, a peripheral devicesuch as a large display device may be associated with a plurality ofgaming devices, and thus may not necessarily be considered a componentof any one gaming device. Further, in some embodiments, certainperipheral devices such as card readers may be interchangeable betweengaming devices, and thus may be considered a component of a first gamingdevice while connected thereto, removed from the first gaming device,connected to a second gaming device, and so on. In other embodiments,various peripheral devices may never be considered a component of aparticular gaming device. For example, in some embodiments, a peripheraldevice such as a USB-based portable memory device may store (i) one ormore databases described herein, and/or (ii) a program for executing oneor more process steps described herein. Such a peripheral device maythen be utilized by casino personnel for upgrading/retrofitting existinggaming devices as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, aspects of the present invention, such asoutputting a value that is a result of a game play at a gaming devicevia historical audio/video content, may be practiced by replacing and/oraugmenting one or more components (e.g., hardware and/or softwarecomponents) of an existing gaming device. Thus, in one or moreembodiments, the invention may be applied as a retrofit or upgrade toexisting gaming devices currently available for play within variouscasinos.

For example, a memory (e.g., computer chip) of the gaming device may bereplaced or added, the replacement or additional memory storing aprogram for instructing the processor of the gaming device to operate inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Inanother example, data output via the gaming device (e.g., graphicaland/or textual data displayed on the gaming device) may be replaced oradded, the replacement or additional data indicating to a playerinformation relevant to one or more aspects of the present invention.

In a specific example, a gaming device may comprise various electroniccomponents mounted to one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). Suchcomponents may include various hardware described herein, such as acommunications port and various controllers of peripheral devices (e.g.,a display controller), as well as a memory for storing programminginstructions (software) and a processor for carrying out suchinstructions. Forms of memory commonly found gaming devices includeelectronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) anderasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM). Thus, in one or moreembodiments of the present invention, an EEPROM storing software withinstructions for carrying out aspects of the present invention (as wellas instructions for carrying out other functions traditionally performedby the gaming device) may replace an EEPROM previously installed in agaming device, such that the gaming device may be configured to operatein accordance with various processes of the present invention.

For example, a “historical audio/video content module” may be madeavailable for purchase to various casino operators. The module, whichmay comprise various hardware and software (e.g., an EEPROM storingsoftware instructions), may be installed in an existing gaming device(e.g., a video-reel slot machine, a video poker machine, etc.), suchthat when the module is installed, players of the device may elect (i)to play a game offered by the gaming device that does not incorporateaspects of the present invention, or (ii) to play a game offered by thegaming device in a manner that utilizes aspects of the presentinvention. Thus, players who are familiar with the games offered byvarious gaming devices may elect to pay for them in a different orsimilar manner as they are accustomed to.

Accordingly, a gaming device may be configured to allow a player toselect one of two “modes” of the gaming device, and to enable theselected mode. If a player selects a “standard” mode, the gaming devicemay be configured to operate in a manner similar to how it operatedbefore the installation of the module (e.g., the gaming device operatesin a conventional manner, such that aspects of the present invention maynot be utilized). If a player selects a “historical audio/video content”output mode, the gaming device may then be operable to execute game playin accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

In one example of allowing a player to select one or more modes, atouch-sensitive display screen may be configured to output a promptasking a player to select a mode of operation. Such a prompt may beoutput in occurrence to various trigger conditions (e.g., coins, billsor tickets are inserted; a credit balance increases from zero to someother number; a player presses a “play” button; a motion, weight,infrared or other sensor detects the presence of a player; etc.).Accordingly, a player may select a mode of operation (e.g., by pressingan appropriately labeled icon of a touch-sensitive display screen), andupon receiving the player's selection, the gaming device may beconfigured to operate in the selected mode.

In other embodiments, as described, a peripheral device may be usefulfor implementing one or more embodiments of the present invention intothe operation of a conventional gaming device. For example, in order toavoid or minimize the necessity of modifying or replacing a programalready stored in a memory of a conventional gaming device, an externalor internal module that comprises a peripheral device may be insertedin, connected to or otherwise associated with the gaming device.

In still further embodiments, rather than configure existing gamingdevices to execute aspects of the present invention by installing orconnecting new hardware and/or software, software may be downloaded intoan existing memory of one or more gaming devices. U.S. Pat. No.6,805,634 to Wells et al. teaches methods for downloading data to gamingdevices in such a manner. The entirety of U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,634 isincorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Thus, in someembodiments, an existing gaming device may be reprogrammed toaccommodate new functionality of the present invention without the need,or by minimizing the need, to remove and replace hardware within thegaming device.

Exemplary Databases for the Controller and/or Gaming Devices

Samples of the contents of the outcome database 210 and the probabilitydatabase 212 are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-B and 5, respectively. Samplesof the contents of the session status database 214 are described furtherbelow with reference to FIG. 8. The specific data and fields illustratedin these figures represent only one embodiment of the records that maybe stored in the databases of the invention. The data and fields ofthese databases, as well as the number of databases, can be readilymodified, for example, to include more or fewer data fields. A singledatabase also may be employed. Note that in the databases of thecontroller 102 and/or the gaming devices 104 a-n, a different referencenumeral is employed to identify each field of each database. However, inat least one embodiment of the invention, fields that are similarlynamed (e.g., game results fields, outcome value fields, etc., describedbelow) store similar or the same data in a similar or in the same dataformat.

FIG. 4A illustrates a sample of the contents of a first embodiment ofthe outcome database 210 of FIG. 2 or 3 (referred to as outcome database210′ in FIG. 4A for convenience). As shown in FIG. 4A, the outcomedatabase 210′ contains information related to the historical audio/videoprogramming, game result and outcome value associated with each uniquerandom number that may be generated by the random number generator 314of a gaming device 104 a-n. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, theillustrated data within the outcome database 210′ is based on outcomevalues traditionally associated with a three-reel, 22-stop slot machine.Typically, such a slot machine will have 22×22×22=10,648 possible uniquerandom numbers. Accordingly, the outcome database 210′ includes recordscorresponding to 10,648 possible random numbers (referred to as records402 a-n in FIG. 4A). It will be understood that other random numbersizes, random number ranges, and/or game machine configurations may beemployed.

With reference to FIG. 4A, and as stated above, the 10,648 possiblerandom numbers are identified in records 402 a-n, respectively.Specifically, the outcome database 210′ contains records having fieldscorresponding to, for example, (1) a random number 404; (2) audio/videoprogramming or “output” 406; (3) a game result 408; and (4) an outcomevalue 410. Such fields will be referred to as a random number field, anaudio/video programming field, a game result field and an outcome valuefield, respectively. Other outcome information also may be stored in theoutcome database 210′.

The random number field of each record 402 a-n may store data (e.g., arandom number 404) representing a unique random number that may begenerated by the random number generator 314 of a gaming device 104 a-n.In general, the random number field may store any unique identifier fora random number (e.g., a numeric, alpha-numeric or other code). As willbe described below, the controller 102 and/or one or more of the gamingdevices 104 a-n may use random numbers 404 to access historicalaudio/video programming to be provided to a gaming device player, aswell as game results and outcome values for the gaming device player.

The audio/video programming field of a record 402 a-n may store data(e.g., audio/video output 406) that may be used by the controller 102and/or one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n to provide historicalaudio/video programming to a gaming device player. For example, theaudio/video programming field of one or more of the records 402 a-n maystore an executable audio/video programming file such as an MPEG2, MPEG,AVI, MOV, WAV or other similar file as is known in the art.Alternatively, the audio/video programming field of one or more of therecords 402 a-n may include a pointer to remotely stored historicalaudio/video programming. For example, if the outcome database 210′ islocated within one of the gaming devices 104 a-n, an audio/videoprogramming field may contain a pointer to a historical audio/videoprogramming file stored within the controller 102 (or within the eventrecording device 106 coupled to the controller 102). Further, anaudio/video programming field may contain a pointer to a historicalaudio/video programming file stored at any other location (e.g., in afile stored at a World Wide Web address, the event recording device 106or other location).

The game result field of each record 402 a-n may store data (e.g., agame result 408) representing a game result associated with the randomnumber (identified by random number 404) of the record. That is, when arandom number is generated by a gaming device 104 a-n during game play,the controller 102 and/or the gaming device 104 a-n may determine a gameresult for the game play by examining data stored within the game resultfield of the record 402 a-n having a random number 404 that matches therandom number generated by the gaming device 104 a-n. For example, inthe exemplary outcome database 210′ of FIG. 4A, the game result “WIN”(e.g., the game result 408 of record 402 a) is associated with therandom number 00001 (e.g., the random number 404 of record 402 a).Accordingly, when the random number generator 314 (FIG. 3) of one of thegaming devices 104 a-n generates a random number having a value of00001, the controller 102 and/or the corresponding gaming device 104 a-nmay associate a winning game result with the random number. This randomnumber and/or game result, in turn, may be employed by the controller102 and/or the gaming device 104 a-n to determine an outcome valueand/or a payout (or no payout as the case may be) for a gaming deviceplayer (as described further below).

The outcome value field of each record 402 a-n may store data (e.g., anoutcome value 410) representing an outcome value associated with therandom number (identified by random number 404) of the record. That is,when a random number is generated by a gaming device 104 a-n during gameplay, the controller 102 and/or the gaming device 104 a-n may determinean outcome value of a game result for the game play by examining datastored within the outcome value field of the record 402 a-n having arandom number 404 that matches the random number generated by the gamingdevice 104 a-n. For example, in the exemplary outcome database 210′ ofFIG. 4A, an outcome value of “100” (e.g., the outcome value 410 ofrecord 402 a) is associated with the random number 00001 (e.g., therandom number 404 of record 402 a), as is the game result “WIN” asdescribed previously. Accordingly, when the random number generator 314(FIG. 3) of one of the gaming devices 104 a-n generates a random numberhaving a value of 00001, the controller 102 and/or the correspondinggaming device 104 a-n may associate a winning game result having anoutcome value of “100” with the random number. This outcome value, inturn, may be employed by the controller 102 and/or the gaming device 104a-n to determine a payment for a gaming device player (as describedfurther below).

The outcome database 210′ may be populated with data provided to thecontroller 102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n by anoperator, owner or manufacturer of the controller 102 and/or the gamingdevices 104 a-n, or by any other relevant party. Such data populationmay occur, for example, via the communication port 204 of the controller102 or via the communication port 304 of a gaming device 104 a-n.

FIG. 4B illustrates a sample of the contents of a second embodiment ofthe outcome database 210 of FIG. 2 or 3 (referred to as outcome database210″ in FIG. 4B for convenience). As will be described further below,use of the outcome database 210″ may allow the controller 102 and/or agaming device 104 a-n to ensure that particular instances of historicalaudio/video programming are not repeatedly output to a gaming deviceplayer should the player repeatedly achieve the same outcome valueduring game play, or to otherwise control historical audio/videoprogramming output frequency.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the outcome database 210″ contains informationrelated to the audio/video programming, game result and outcome valueassociated with unique ranges of random numbers (for random numbers thatmay be generated by the random number generator 314 of a gaming device104 a-n). In the particular embodiment shown, a plurality of audio/videoprogramming selections or audio/video programs may be associated witheach number range. Such an approach may be contrasted with the outcomedatabase 210′ of FIG. 4A which contains information related to a singleaudio/video program, game result and outcome value associated with eachunique random number that may be generated by the random numbergenerator 314 of a gaming devices 104 a-n. (Note in other embodiments ofthe invention, multiple audio/video programs may be associated with eachunique random number.)

As with the outcome database 210′ of FIG. 4A, the illustrated datawithin the outcome database 210″ is based on outcome valuestraditionally associated with a three-reel, 22-stop slot machine.Typically, such a slot machine will have 22×22×22=10,648 possible uniquerandom numbers. Accordingly, the outcome database 210″ includes recordscorresponding to ranges of numbers (or a number) that cover 10,648possible random numbers (referred to as records 412-428 in FIG. 4B). Itwill be understood that other random number sizes or ranges and/or gamemachine configurations may be employed.

With reference to FIG. 4B, and as stated above, the random number rangesare identified in records 412-428, respectively. Specifically, theoutcome database 210″ contains records having fields corresponding to,for example, (1) a random number range 430; (2) a game result 432; (3)an outcome value 434; (4) audio/video programming or outputs 436 a-n;and (5) audio/video programming statuses 438 a-n. Such fields will bereferred to as a random number range field, a game result field, anoutcome value field, audio/video programming fields and audio/videoprogramming status fields, respectively. Other outcome information alsomay be stored in the outcome database 210″.

The random number range field of each record 412-428 may store data(e.g., a random number range 430) representing a range of numbers (or anumber) associated with a game result (identified by a game result 432)of a respective game result field and an outcome value (identified by anoutcome value 434) of a respective outcome value field of the record.For example, the random number range 1-8570 (e.g., the random numberrange 430 of record 412) may be associated with a game result of “LOSS”(e.g., the game result 432 of record 412) and an outcome value of 0(e.g., the outcome value 434 of record 412). Accordingly, when therandom number generator 314 (FIG. 3) of a gaming device 104 a-ngenerates a random number in the range of 1-8570, the controller 102and/or the corresponding gaming device 104 a-n may associate the gameresult “LOSS” and an outcome value of 0 with the random number. (Theoutcome value, in turn, may be employed by the controller 102 and/or thegaming device 104 a-n to determine a payout for a gaming device player,as described further below.

In general, the random number range field may store any uniqueidentifier for a random number range (e.g., a numeric, alpha-numeric orother code). As will be described below, the controller 102 and/or oneor more of the gaming devices 104 a-n may use random number ranges 430to access historical audio/video programming to be provided to a gamingdevice player, as well as game results and outcome values for the gamingdevice player (as described previously).

The audio/video programming fields of a record 412-428 may store data(e.g., audio/video outputs 436 a-n) that may be used by the controller102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n to providehistorical audio/video programming to a gaming device player (e.g., toprovide an indication of the outcome value of the corresponding record).For example, the audio/video programming fields of one or more of therecords 412-428 may store executable audio/video programming files suchas MPEG2, MPEG, AVI, MOV, WAV or other similar files as is known in theart. Alternatively, the audio/video programming fields of one or more ofthe records 412-428 may include pointers to remotely stored historicalaudio/video programming. For example, if the outcome database 210″ islocated within one of the gaming devices 104 a-n, an audio/videoprogramming fields may contain pointers to historical audio/videoprogramming files stored within the controller 102 (or within the eventrecording device 106 coupled to the controller 102). Further, anaudio/video programming field may contain a pointer to a historicalaudio/video programming file stored at any other location (e.g., in afile stored at a World Wide Web address, the event recording device 106or other location).

The audio/video programming status fields of each record 412-428 maystore data (e.g., audio/video programming statuses 438 a-n) indicating astatus of respective audio/video programming (identified by a respectiveaudio/video programming or output 436 a-n). For example, an audio/videoprogramming status field may indicate whether a particular audio/videoprogramming file, episode, program or the like is to be (or haspreviously been) provided to a gaming device player (e.g., to indicate aparticular outcome value to which the player has become entitled duringgame play). In one embodiment of the invention, an audio/videoprogramming status field initially may have a status of “YES”(indicating that the audio/video programming corresponding to the statusfield is to be or may be provided to a gaming device player). However,following provision of the audio/video programming to the gaming deviceplayer, the audio/video programming status field may be changed to “NO”(indicating that the audio/video programming is not to be provided tothe gaming device player again). The controller 102 and/or a gamingdevice 104 a-n may perform such a status-change operation. Other similarflags for the audio/video programming status fields of the records402-418 may be employed.

In another embodiment of the invention, a player of a gaming device mayselect a classification of historical audio/video programming to beprovided to the player during game play. In such an embodiment, theplayer may directly or indirectly control the status of audio/videoprogramming (e.g., by changing the state of one or more audio/videoprogramming status fields).

With reference to the outcome database 210″ of FIG. 4B, the record 412illustrates exemplary data for a random number range of 1-8570 (randomnumber range 430) that may be accessed if the random number generator314 of a gaming device 104 a-n generates a random number that fallswithin this range. A random number within the range of 1-8570 results ina LOSS game result (game result 432) and an outcome value of 0 (outcomevalue 434). In one or more embodiments of the invention, a player of thecorresponding gaming device 104 a-n may be provided with audio/videoprogramming that indicates the outcome value of the game result. Asshown in record 412, the first audio video programming (audio/videooutput 436 a) is unavailable as indicated by an audio/video programmingstatus of NO (audio/video programming status 438 a). However, the nthaudio/video programming (audio/video output 436 n) may be provided tothe player as indicated by an audio/video programming status of YES(audio/video programming status 438 a). Accordingly, the player may beprovided at least an indication of the 0 outcome value if the controller102 and/or the respective gaming device 104 a-n provides audio/videoprogramming to the player that displays, for example, a ground ballbeing hit to third base, with the batsman/base runner being subsequentlythrown out at first (audio/video output 436 n). The actual outcome valueof 0 may or may not be displayed or otherwise output to the player. Forexample, according to one embodiment, the outcome value may besuperimposed over the audio/video programming in a manner that allowsgaming device players to easily or rationally correlate the outcomevalue with the audio/video content being provided. For example, usingthe ground ball scenario described above, a visual indication of the 0outcome value may be displayed to the gaming device player insimultaneity with a display or other output of an umpire calling thebatsman/base runner out.

The outcome database 210″ may be populated with data provided to thecontroller 102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n by anoperator, owner or manufacturer of the controller 102 and/or the gamingdevices 104 a-n, or by any other relevant party. Such data populationmay occur, for example, via the communication port 204 of the controller102 or via the communication port 304 of a gaming device 104 a-n. Notethat in one or more embodiments of the invention, differing numbers ofaudio/video programming may be associated with different random numberranges (e.g., as records, such as record 428, with random number rangesthat are accessed infrequently may only a require a few audio/videoprogramming options to ensure that a gaming device player does not viewthe same audio/video programming repeatedly).

Referring now to FIG. 5, an illustrative sample of the contents of theprobability database 212 of FIG. 2 or 3 is shown. As described furtherbelow, the probability database 212 contains information that may beutilized by the controller 102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices104 a-n to establish frequencies with which various outcome values occurduring game play.

With reference to FIG. 5, the probability database 212 containsfrequency information for nine number ranges as provided in records502-518, respectively. Specifically, the probability database 212contains records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1) arandom number range 520; (2) an outcome value 522; and (3) an expectednumber of hits per cycle 524. Such fields will be referred to as arandom number range field, an outcome value field and an expected hitsper cycle field, respectively. Other probability information also may bestored in the probability database 212.

The random number range field of each record 502-518 may store data(e.g., a random number range 520) representing a range of numbers (or anumber) associated with an outcome value (identified by an outcome value522 of a respective outcome value field of the record). For example, therandom number range 1-8570 (e.g., the random number range 520 of record502) may be associated with an outcome value of 0 (e.g., the outcomevalue 522 of record 502). Accordingly, when the random number generator314 (FIG. 3) of a gaming device 104 a-n generates a random number in therange of 1-8570, the controller 102 and/or the corresponding gamingdevice 104 a-n may associate an outcome value of 0 with the randomnumber. This outcome value, in turn, may be employed by the controller102 and/or the gaming device 104 a-n to determine a payout for a gamingdevice player, as described further below.

The expected hits per cycle field of a record 502-518 may store data(e.g., expected hits per cycle 524) that indicates the expected oraverage number of times a random number associated with a given outcomevalue will be generated by the random number generator 314 of a gamingdevice (FIG. 3) over a complete cycle of the gaming device. In theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, the data within the probability database212 is suitable for use with a three-reel, 22-stop slot machine. Such aslot machine will have 22×22×22=10,648 possible outcomes. To operate insuch an embodiment, the random number generator 314 of FIG. 3 may beadapted to generate a random number having a value between 1 and 10,648.In this manner, the random number generator 314 (FIG. 3) will onlygenerate a number that falls within the random number ranges 520 of theprobability database 212. Referring again to FIG. 5, over the course of10,648 game plays, the expected hits per cycle 524 associated with arecord 502-518 specifies an expected or average number of times a randomnumber associated with a given outcome value will be generated by therandom number generator 314 (FIG. 3) during a complete cycle of thegaming device. It will be understood that other number ranges, outcomevalues, expected hits per cycle and/or slot machine configurations basedon other arrangements (e.g., other numbers of reels and/or stops perreel) may be employed.

The probability database 212 may be populated with data provided to thecontroller 102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n by anoperator, owner or manufacturer of the controller 102 and/or gamingdevices 104 a-n, or by any other relevant party. Such data populationmay occur, for example, via the communication port 204 of the controller102 or via the communication port 304 of a gaming device 104 a-n.

First Exemplary Operation of the Gaming Device Control System

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a first exemplary process 600 of thegaming device control system 100 of FIGS. 1-5 useful in describing thegeneral operation of the gaming device control system 100. One or moreof the steps of the process 600 may be embodied within computer programcode of the program 208 of the controller 102 and/or the program 308 ofone or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n. The above-mentioned computerprogram code may be embodied in one or more computer program products.

With reference to FIG. 6, the process 600 begins in step 601 in whichhistorical audio/video programming or other similar historical eventcontent information is received by the controller 102 and/or one or moreof the gaming devices 104 a-n. In at least one embodiment of theinvention, the audio/video programming may be stored locally at thecontroller 102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n (e.g.,within the data storage device 206 of the controller 102, the memory 320or data storage device 306 of a gaming device 104 a-n, etc.).Alternatively, a pointer to audio/video programming may be receivedand/or stored by the controller 102 and/or one or more of the gamingdevices 104 a-n (e.g., a WORLD WIDE WEB or other similar address).

Audio/video programming (or pointers to such programming) may bereceived from a variety of sources. For example, audio/videoprogramming, pointers and/or other information may be provided to thegaming devices 104 a-n via the controller 102. Further audio/videoprogramming, pointers and/or other information may be provided to thegaming devices 104 a-n and/or the controller 102 from a source outsideof the gaming device control system 100 (e.g., from another eventrecording device, a casino owner or operator or other third party). Inone or more embodiments of the invention, audio/video programming may beprovided to the controller 102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices104 a-n from a portable media such as a DVD, CD-ROM, etc., from hardwaresuch as a hard disk, dedicated server, set top box (e.g., a TiVo® unitmanufactured by Phillips™), etc., from the Internet (e.g., via adownload from the World Wide Web), or from any other similar source.Additionally, the controller 102 and/or one or more of the gamingdevices 104 a-n may create audio/video programming (e.g., animatedaudio/video programming).

In step 602, the historical audio/video programming is associated withan outcome value of a game result of a gaming device 104 a-n. Forexample, the controller 102, the gaming device 104 a-n, an operator ofthe controller 102 and/or gaming device 104 a-n, etc., may examine thereceived historical audio/video programming and determine what, if any,outcome value may be associated with the historical audio/videoprogramming (e.g., determine an outcome value of a game result of thegaming device 104 a-n that may be suggested, implied, hinted at,signified, or discerned by or that is otherwise “indicatable” by thecontent of the audio/video programming). For example, if the historicalaudio/video programming depicts a high quality of performance, a highlevel of achievement and/or an event of historical significance, theaudio/video programming may be associated with a high outcome value(e.g., by associating the audio/video programming directly with theoutcome value or with a random number or range of random numbersassociated with the outcome value).

As a further example, the content of historical audio/video programmingreceived by the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n mayinclude a sporting event highlight, such as a basketball playerattempting a shot. In such an embodiment, the controller 102, the gamingdevice 104 a-n, a controller/operator of one or more of the same, etc.,may review the audio/video programming and determine an appropriateoutcome value to be associated with the audio/video programming (e.g.,an outcome value that may be indicated by the audio/video programming).In one embodiment of the invention, a missed shot (e.g., basketball,hockey, soccer, etc.) depicted in audio/video programming may beassociated with an outcome value of 0 or another low outcome value.Likewise, a successful shot/score may be associated with a higheroutcome value. Audio/video programming with content of great historicalsignificance or depicting a high level of performance or achievement maybe associated with a very high outcome value. For example, MichaelJordan's game winning shot with 5.2 seconds remaining in game 6 of the1997-1998 NBA finals, a hole-in-one, a perfect 10 or other flawlessexecution, may be associated with a jackpot or other high outcome value.

In step 603, the historical audio/video programming is stored such thatthe outcome value (or an indication of the outcome value) is correlatedto at least a pointer to the historical audio/video programming (e.g.,the audio/video programming is stored in a correlative relationship tothe outcome value and/or a random number associated with the outcomevalue). For example, an indication of the historical audio/videoprogramming (e.g., a file, a pointer to the file, etc.) may be storedwithin the outcome database 210′ (FIG. 4A) or the outcome database 210″(FIG. 4B) in one of the records 402 a-n or 412-428, respectively.

If the historical audio/video programming already resides in a gamingdevice 104 a-n (e.g., if at least step 603 was performed at the gamingdevice 104 a-n), then the process 600 may end at step 603. Otherwise, atstep 604, the historical audio/video programming (or a pointer to thehistorical audio/video programming) and the associated outcome value maybe transmitted to one or more gaming devices 104 a-n. For example, thehistorical audio/video programming (or a pointer to the historicalaudio/video programming) and/or the associated outcome value may betransmitted to one or more gaming devices 104 a-n from the controller102, the event recording device 106 and/or any other location.Thereafter, the process 600 ends.

Second Exemplary Operation of the Gaming Device Control System

FIG. 7A illustrates a flow chart of a second exemplary process 700 a ofthe gaming device control system 100 of FIGS. 1-5 useful in describingthe general operation of the gaming device control system 100. One ormore of the steps of the process 700 a may be embodied within computerprogram code of the program 208 of the controller 102 and/or the program308 of one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n. The above-mentionedcomputer program code may be embodied in one or more computer programproducts.

With reference to FIG. 7A, the process 700 a begins in step 701 in whichhistorical audio/video programming or other similar historical eventcontent information is received by the controller 102 and/or one or moreof the gaming devices 104 a-n. Such a step may be similar to that ofstep 601 of process 600 of FIG. 6 and/or may be eliminated if theaudio/video programming has already been received (e.g., and storedlocally at one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n).

As stated, the received historical audio/video programming may be storedlocally at the controller 102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices104 a-n (e.g., within the data storage device 206 of the controller 102,the memory 320 or data storage device 306 of a gaming device 104 a-n,etc.). Alternatively, a pointer to audio/video programming may bereceived and/or stored by the controller 102 and/or one or more of thegaming devices 104 a-n (e.g., a WORLD WIDE WEB or other similaraddress).

Audio/video programming (or pointers to such programming) may bereceived from a variety of sources. For example, audio/videoprogramming, pointers and/or other information may be provided to thegaming devices 104 a-n via the controller 102. Further audio/videoprogramming, pointers and/or other information may be provided to thegaming devices 104 a-n and/or the controller 102 from a source outsideof the gaming device control system 100 (e.g., from another eventrecording device, a casino owner or operator, gaming device manufactureror other third party). In one or more embodiments of the invention,audio/video programming may be provided to the controller 102 and/or oneor more of the gaming devices 104 a-n from a portable media such as aDVD, CD-ROM, etc., from hardware such as a hard disk, dedicated server,set top box (e.g., a TiVo® unit manufactured by Phillips®), etc., fromthe Internet (e.g., via a download from the World Wide Web), or from anyother similar source. Additionally, the controller 102 and/or one ormore of the gaming devices 104 a-n may create or assist in the creationof audio/video programming (e.g., animated audio/video programming).

In step 702, the historical audio/video programming is associated withan outcome value of a game result of a gaming device 104 a-n. Again,such a step may be similar to that of step 602 of process 600 of FIG. 6and/or may be eliminated if the audio/video programming has already beenassociated with an outcome value. In one exemplary embodiment, a gamingdevice 104 a-n may associate received historical audio/video programmingand a corresponding outcome value with a random number or a range ofrandom numbers (e.g., based on information stored within the probabilitydatabase 212 (FIG. 5) of the controller 102 and/or the gaming device 104a-n). In another embodiment, the controller 102 may associate randomnumbers and/or random number ranges with historical audio/videoprogramming and a corresponding outcome value, and such information maybe transmitted to and stored locally at one or more gaming devices 104a-n (or retrieved from the controller 102 by one or more gaming devices104 a-n).

In general, more than one random number, random number range and/oroutcome value may be associated with a particular historical audio/videoprogramming content (or portion thereof) based on, for example, anaudio/video content profile, a history of audio/video content previouslyprovided (e.g., to a particular player), and/or a random determination.

In one embodiment, an audio/video content profile may be associated withaudio/video programming in order to establish one or more context(s) forthe audio/video programming. For example, audio/video depicting New YorkYankees' third baseman Aaron Boone's game-winning home run in game sevenof the 2003 American League Championship Series against the Boston RedSox may be associated with a high outcome value as it relates to Yankeeshistory or highlights (a first content profile) and also a very low (oreven negative) outcome value as it relates to Red Sox history orhighlights (a second content profile). Such profiles may be employed bythe gaming device and/or the controller for use in determiningappropriate audio/video for output e.g. based on a player request. Forexample, a player may select audio/video content associated with aparticular sports team, athlete, actor or actress, etc., as describedherein.

In another example, a particular historical audio-video programmingcontent may be associated with a first payout table, a second payouttable and a third payout table (e.g., a particular episode of atelevision show may be associated with all three possible payouttables). Upon selection of the episode by a player, one of the threepayout tables may be selected for use in determining values for resultsof game plays during a play session. Such an embodiment may be helpfulin a circumstance in which a player typically selects the same (e.g.,favorite) episode of a television show for use in outputting values ofresults of game plays during different play sessions, so that the playermay receive different values or payouts for the different play sessionsutilizing the episode and thus not be able to predict the payouts forthe episode and grow bored with the episode.

In step 703, a game initiation signal is received by a gaming device 104a-n. The game initiation signal may comprise, for example, an indicationof a wager by a gaming device player, actuation of a button, handle orlever, menu selection, etc. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device104 a-n may receive a game initiation signal via the input device 310 orthe communication port 304 (e.g., from the controller 102 or some othersource).

In step 704, the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n mayinitiate game play at the respective gaming device 104 a-n (e.g., inresponse to the game initiation signal). For example, the controller 102and/or the respective gaming device 104 a-n (e.g., via computer programcode) may instruct the random number generator 314 of the gaming deviceto generate a random number. In one or more embodiments of theinvention, the controller 102 may initiate game play at a gaming deviceby transmitting a game initiation signal to the gaming device (e.g., viathe communication port 204 of the controller 102). In an alternateembodiment of the invention, a gaming device player may bedirected/required to initiate game play at a gaming device in responseto a game initiation signal. In accordance with another embodiment, gameplay may be automatically initiated periodically (e.g. every 15 seconds)by the gaming device 104 a-n, with the gaming device player being giventhe option to “opt-out” of game play (i.e. to not actively wager on thegame play). In yet another embodiment, a player may commit to a contractfor a play session by pre-paying for a plurality of game plays (e.g., aplayer may purchase a specified number of game plays or a specifiedamount of play time on a gaming device). In such an embodiment, the gameplays defined by the contract or pre-payment may be automaticallyexecuted for the player (e.g., the player need not actuate a startcontroller for each game play after initiating the contract).

In steps 705 and 706, based on the random number generated by a gamingdevice 104 a-n in step 704, the controller 102 and/or the gaming device104 a-n may determine historical audio/video programming and an outcomevalue for a game result of the initiated game play. For example, thecontroller 102 and/or the gaming device 104 a-n may access the gameresult field, the audio/video programming field and the outcome valuefield of the record 402 a-n of the outcome database 210′ (FIG. 4A)having a random number 404 that matches the random number generated instep 704; and determine a game result, audio/video programming and anoutcome value based on the contents of the game result field, theaudio/video programming field and the outcome value field of the record.Likewise, the controller 102 and/or the gaming device 104 a-n may accessthe game result field, the audio/video programming fields and theoutcome value field of the record 412-418 of the outcome database 210″(FIG. 4B) having a random number range 430 that includes the randomnumber generated in step 704; and determine a game result, audio/videoprogramming and an outcome value based on the contents of the gameresult field, the audio/video programming fields and the outcome valuefield of the record. Note that more than one audio/video programmingselection may be available if the outcome database 210″ of FIG. 4B isemployed (e.g., depending on the various audio/video programming fieldstatuses of the respective record). (Note that steps 705 and 706 may beperformed in any order.)

In step 707, the historical audio/video programming retrieved at step705 is provided (e.g., output or otherwise displayed) to the gamingdevice player. For example, the controller 102 and/or a gaming device104 a-n may execute a file containing audio/video programming and storedwithin the outcome database 210′ of FIG. 4A or the outcome database 210″of FIG. 4B (e.g., an MPEG2, MPEG, AVI, MOV, WAV or other similar file),and output audio/video content via an appropriate device (e.g., theoutput device 312 of one of the gaming devices 104 a-n). Alternatively,the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n may host or outputprogramming received from another source (e.g., a gaming device 104 a-nmay host/output programming received from the controller 102, thecontroller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n may host/outputprogramming received from a remote location such as from a dedicatedserver, the Internet or the event recording device 106).

In step 708, any payout due to the gaming device player (based on thegame result and/or outcome value of the game play initiated at step 703and/or 704) is provided or otherwise indicated to the gaming deviceplayer. For example, the controller 102 and/or the respective gamingdevice 104 a-n may access the outcome value field of the appropriaterecord 402 a-n of the outcome database 210′ or the outcome value fieldof the appropriate record 412-428 of the outcome database 210″ todetermine the payout due to the gaming device player. In one or moreembodiments, the payout the gaming device player is to receive may beequal to or based on the outcome value achieved by the gaming deviceplayer during game play. In at least one embodiment of the invention,the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n may direct the hopper318 (via the corresponding hopper controller 316) to dispense apredetermined payout to the gaming device player. The payout may be cashdeposited to a coin tray of a gaming device, posted to an accountassociated with the gaming device player (e.g., as a credit), a voucheror printed receipt that includes a bar code (or other indicia) that maybe subsequently validated/redeemed, etc. Following step 708, the process700 a of FIG. 7A ends.

Third Exemplary Operation of the Gaming Device Control System

FIG. 7B illustrates a flow chart of a third exemplary process 700 b ofthe gaming device control system 100 of FIGS. 1-5 useful in describingthe general operation of the gaming device control system 100. Morespecifically, FIG. 7B illustrates a process for controlling whichhistorical audio/video programming is provided to a gaming device playerduring game play (e.g., to prevent the same historical audio/videoprogramming from being replayed repeatedly if the gaming device playerachieves the same outcome value repeatedly, or to otherwise controlaudio/video programming presentation). One or more of the steps of theprocess 700 b may be embodied within computer program code of theprogram 208 of the controller 102 and/or the program 308 of one or moreof the gaming devices 104 a-n. The above-mentioned computer program codemay be embodied in one or more computer program products.

The process 700 b may be performed following game initiation at a gamingdevice 104 a-n (such as after step 703 in FIG. 7A). With reference toFIG. 7B, the process 700 b begins in step 709 wherein, based on therandom number generated by a gaming device 104 a-n (e.g., in response toa game initiation signal), the controller 102 and/or the gaming device104 a-n determines an outcome value for a game result of game playinitiated at the gaming device 104 a-n. In one or more embodiments ofthe invention, the controller 102 and/or the gaming device 104 a-n mayaccess the outcome value field of the record 412-418 of the outcomedatabase 210″ (FIG. 4B) having a random number range 430 that includesthe random number generated by the respective gaming device 104 a-n; anddetermine an outcome value based on the content of the outcome valuefield of the record. The random number thus serves as an index that maybe employed to access a record of the outcome database 210″. Acorresponding game result also may be determined. Note that randomnumbers rather than random number ranges may be employed to accessoutcome values (and/or game results) as described previously withreference to the outcome database 210′ of FIG. 4A.

In step 710, based on the random number employed to retrieve the outcomevalue in step 709, the controller 102 and/or the respective gamingdevice 104 a-n may determine or otherwise access first historicalaudio/video programming. For example, the controller 102 and/or thegaming device 104 a-n may access the first audio/video programming fieldof the record 412-418 of the outcome database 210″ (FIG. 4B) having arandom number range 430 that includes the random number generated by therespective gaming device 104 a-n, and determine the first historicalaudio/video programming based on the content of the first audio/videoprogramming field of the record. The outcome value alternatively may beemployed as an index into the appropriate record, and/or random numbersrather than random number ranges may be employed to access audio/videoprogramming.

In step 711, a determination is made (e.g., by the controller 102 and/orthe respective gaming device 104 a-n) whether the first audio/videoprogramming should be provided to the gaming device player. For example,the controller 102 and/or the respective gaming device 104 a-n mayexamine the audio/video programming status field (FIG. 4B) correspondingthe first audio/video programming (e.g., the first audio/videoprogramming status field of the record 412-428 that includes or pointsto the first audio/video programming determined/accessed in step 710).Based on the current state of the status field, the controller 102and/or the respective gaming device 104 a-n may determine whether thefirst audio/video programming should be provided to the gaming deviceplayer.

As stated, there may be instances in which it may be undesirable toprovide particular audio/video programming content to a gaming deviceplayer. For example, if the gaming device player repeatedly achieves thesame outcome value during game play, the gaming device player may notwish to view the same audio/video programming over-and-over again.Accordingly, in one or more embodiments of the invention, more than oneaudio/video programming selection may be associated with an outcomevalue, and the controller 102, one or more of the gaming devices 104a-n, a gaming device player or any other relevant party may determine,for example, how often (if ever) audio/video programming may repeatduring game play. Such an approach may provide the controller 102 and/orthe gaming devices 104 a-n with increased flexibility with regard to abroad range of programming content to be output to a gaming deviceplayer.

If it is determined in step 711 that the first audio/video programmingshould not be provided to the gaming device player (e.g., based on thefirst audio/video programming status field of the corresponding recordof the outcome database 210″), in step 712, the controller 102 and/orthe respective gaming device 104 a-n may determine or otherwise accessdifferent audio/video programming for the gaming device player. Step 711then may be repeated to determine if the newly accessed audio/videoprogramming should be provided to the gaming device player (as describedabove). Steps 711 and 712 may be repeated until audio/video programmingbeen accessed that may be provided to the gaming device player.

Once historical audio/video programming has been found that may beprovided to the gaming device player, the process 700 b proceeds to step713. In step 713, the historical audio/video programming is provided(e.g., output or otherwise displayed or provided) to the gaming deviceplayer. For example, the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-nmay execute a file containing audio/video programming as describedpreviously with reference to step 707 of FIG. 7A (e.g., an MPEG2, MPEG,AVI, MOV, WAV or other similar file stored, for example, in the outcomedatabase 210″), and output audio/video content via an appropriate device(e.g., the output device 312 of the gaming device 104 a-n).Alternatively, the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n mayhost or output programming received from another source (e.g., a gamingdevice 104 a-n may host/output programming received from the controller102, the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n may host/outputprogramming received from a remote location such as from a dedicatedserver, the Internet or the event recording device 106).

In step 714, any payout due to the gaming device player is provided tothe gaming device player. For example, the controller 102 and/or therespective gaming device 104 a-n may access the outcome value field ofthe appropriate record 412-428 of the outcome database 210″ to determinethe payout due to the gaming device player. In one or more embodimentsof the invention, the payout the gaming device player is to receive maybe equal to or based on the outcome value achieved by the gaming deviceplayer during game play. In at least one embodiment of the invention,the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n may direct the hopper318 (via the corresponding hopper controller 316) to dispense apredetermined payout to the gaming device player. The payout may be cashdeposited to a coin tray of a gaming device, an amount of currencyposted to an account associated with the gaming device player (e.g., asa credit), electronic currency added to a smart card, a voucher orprinted receipt that includes a bar code or other indicia that may besubsequently validated/redeemed, etc. Following step 714, the process700 b of FIG. 7B ends.

Exemplary Embodiment of the Session Status Database

FIG. 8 illustrates a sample of the contents of the session statusdatabase 214 of the controller 102 of FIG. 2. As stated, one or more ofthe gaming devices 104 a-n may be similarly configured to employ asession status database.

With reference to FIG. 8, the session status database 214 includes datarelevant to various gaming sessions being conducted and/or that havebeen conducted at one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n. As will bedescribed further below, the controller 102 may employ the sessionstatus database to determine whether or not certain historicalaudio/video programming should be made available to a gaming deviceplayer during a session of game play at a gaming device (e.g., whetheran audio/video programming status field associated with audio/videoprogramming should be “flagged” to allow or prevent provision of theaudio/video programming to a gaming device player as describedpreviously with reference to the outcome database 210″ of FIG. 4B). Asimilar session status database may be employed by one or more of thegaming devices 104 a-n to regulate/control audio/video programming thatis provided to a gaming device player during game play.

As shown in FIG. 8, the session status database 214 contains informationrelated to five gaming device players (e.g., engaged in gaming sessionsat five different gaming devices being monitored and/or controlled bythe controller 102). The five gaming device players are identified inrecords 802-810, respectively. Specifically, the session status database214 contains records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1) aplayer identifier 812; (2) a gaming device identifier 814; (3) a sessionstart date/time 816; (4) a number of handle pulls 818; and (5)audio/video programming or output information 820 a-n. Such fields willbe referred to as a player identifier field, a gaming device identifierfield, a start date/time field, a number of handle pulls field andaudio/video programming information fields, respectively. Otherplayer/gamming session information also may be stored in the sessionstatus database 212.

The player identifier field of each record 802-810 may store data (e.g.,a player identifier 812) representing a unique identifier (e.g., anumeric, alpha-numeric or other code) for a player of a gaming device,such as one of the gaming devices 104 a-n. The information stored in theplayer identifier field may be derived, for example, from a playertracking card at a gaming device, may be provided by the player, or maybe obtained by any other method.

The gaming device identifier field of a record 802-810 may store ageneralized textual, graphical or other description (e.g., a gamingdevice identifier 814) for a gaming device being employed by a playeridentified by a respective player identifier 812 of the record. Thus, agaming device identifier field may be employed by the controller 102(and/or a gaming device 104 a-n) to identify the gaming device beingemployed by a gaming device player.

The session start date/time field of a record 802-810 may store dateand/or time information that identifies when a gaming device player(identified by the player identifier 812 of the record) began a gamingsession, game play or other activity at a gaming device (identified bythe gaming device identifier 814 of the record). In one or moreembodiments of the invention, information stored in the session startdate/time field of a record 802-810 may be employed by the controller102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n to determine the availability ofcertain historical audio/video programming to a gaming device player.For example, an audio/video programming status field (FIG. 4B)associated with audio/video programming may be periodically updated orreset to allow previously displayed and/or disabled audio/videoprogramming to be provided to a gaming device player during a gamingsession (e.g., even though the same audio/video programming has alreadybeen provided to the gaming device player during the gaming session).

The number of handle pulls field of a record 802-810 may storeinformation that identifies the number of times game play has beeninitiated by a gaming device player (identified by the player identifier812 of the record) of a gaming device (identified by the gaming deviceidentifier 814 of the record). In one or more embodiments of theinvention, information stored in the number of handle pulls field of arecord 802-810 may be employed by the controller 102 and/or a gamingdevice 104 a-n to determine the availability of certain historicalaudio/video programming to a gaming device player. For example, anaudio/video programming status field (FIG. 4B) associated withaudio/video programming may be updated or reset to allow previouslydisplayed and/or disabled audio/video programming to be provided to agaming device player during a gaming session if the gaming device playerhas performed a predetermined number of handle pulls (e.g., even thoughthe same audio/video programming has already been provided to the gamingdevice player during the gaming session). For non-handle initiatedgames, other parameters may be similarly employed forcontrolling/affecting audio/video programming availability (e.g., anumber of times a game initiation button has been pressed, a number oftimes game play has been automatically initiated at the gaming device,etc).

The audio/video programming information fields of a record 802-810 maystore information (e.g., audio/video programming information 820 a-820n) that describes and/or identifies instances of audio/video programmingthat have been output to a gaming device player identified by the playeridentifier 812 of the record (e.g., in accordance with the presentinvention so as to indicate an outcome value of a game result of gameplay at a gaming device identified by the gaming device identifier 814of the record). In one or more embodiments of the invention, informationstored in the audio/video programming information fields of a record802-810 may be employed by the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104a-n during the selection of audio/video programming from a plurality ofaudio/video programming selections that are associated with an outcomevalue. For example, the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-nmay examine the audio/video programming information fields (audio/videoprogramming information 820 a-820 n) to determine if a particularaudio/video programming selection has been previously provided to agaming device player (e.g., a particular audio/video programmingselection accessed, for example, during step 710 or step 712 of theprocess 700 b of FIG. 7B).

The session status database 214 may be populated with data provided tothe controller 102 and/or one or more of the gaming devices 104 a-n byan operator, owner or manufacturer of the controller 102 and/or thegaming devices 104 a-n, or by any other relevant party. Such datapopulation may occur, for example, via the communication port 204 of thecontroller 102 or via the communication port 304 of a gaming device 104a-n.

With reference to the session status database 214 of FIG. 8, the record802 illustrates exemplary data for a gaming device player P 161 (playeridentifier 812) that is participating in a gaming session at gamingdevice M 601 (gaming device identifier 814). The player P 161 began gameplay activity at the gaming device M 601 on Jan. 1, 2005 at 1:55 pm(session start date/time 816), and has initiated game play 86 times(number of handle pulls 818). In response to the 86 game plays, theplayer P 161 has been provided a plurality of audio/video programs(audio/video programming information 820 a-820 n).

Embodiments of the present invention thus provide methods, apparatus,systems, computer program products and the like for employingaudio/video programming to indicate an outcome value of game play at agaming device such as a slot machine, video poker machine, etc. Forexample, the invention may be employed to display an outcome value to agaming device player, based on pre-established payouts and/orprobabilities associated with a gaming device (e.g., a slot machine), inthe form of historical audio/video programming (e.g., audio/videoinformation representative of a historical event). As described, suchhistorical audio/video programming may include, for example, contentthat depicts a professional athlete executing a golf shot, a footballplay (e.g., a kick return), a baseball event (e.g., a single pitch/hitin a home run derby) or similar physical contest, an actor, actressperforming in a soap opera or situational comedy scene, etc., ananimated movie or feature, or any other similar audio/video programmingembodied in a digital, an analog or another format. As a furtherexample, where historical audio/video programming depicts an actingscene, content such as out-takes, bloopers, poorly-acted scenes and/orscenes having little significance to an overall establishment of a plotmay be associated with reduced outcome values. Likewise, content thatdepicts well-acted scenes or scenes of greater significance or impact toan overall establishment of a plot may be associated with greateroutcome values.

As described above, the present invention may be implemented via arandom number determination process (e.g., employing a random number asan index to historical audio/video programming), so as to be compatiblewith the majority of existing casino gaming devices. In one particularembodiment of the invention, the historical audio/video programming tobe output to a gaming device player may be representative of one or moregolfers executing golf shots during a golf tournament. Such anembodiment is advantageous in that a large number of audio/videoprogramming selections may be recorded, created or otherwise capturedduring a typical golf tournament. For example, a four-day golftournament including a field of 72 golfers and having an averageper-round score of par 72 may yield in excess of 20,000 historicalaudio/video selections (e.g., 72×72×4=20,736 golf strokes that may berecorded and employed to indicate outcome values of game results). Eachgolf stroke may be reviewed, interpreted and correlated to an outcomevalue of a gaming machine, and used to indicate an outcome value to agaming device player. For example, a hole-in-one may be associated witha top jackpot, while a missed short putt or errant shot may beassociated with an outcome value of 0.

The use of golf-related audio/video programming in accordance with thepresent invention is also advantageous in that certain probabilitiesassociated with the game of golf closely resemble probabilitiesassociated with slot machines. For example, the known general odds of aprofessional golfer executing a hole-in-one on a given par 3 tee shotare approximately the same as the known odds of a slot machine playerachieving a top jackpot with any given pull of an average22-stops-per-reel, 3-reel, non-progressive jackpot slot machine (e.g.,approximately 1 in 10,000+).

The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of theinvention. Modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methodswhich fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, in at least oneembodiment of the invention, a gaming device player may establish one ormore parameters for use by the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104a-n during selection of historical audio/video programming to be outputto the gaming device player. As an example, the controller 102 and/or agaming device 104 a-n may provide a menu or list of options for a gamingdevice player that allows the player to select a classification ofaudio/video programming to receive during game play (e.g., theaudio/video programming providing an indication of an outcome value of agame result). A classification of audio/video programming may includeaudio/video programming relating to one or more of a specific sportsteam (e.g., a favorite baseball team), athlete, course, stadium, field,golf hole selection, venue, actor or actress, character(s), episode,season, era or time period, game (e.g., the World Series, the 1997 WorldSeries, World Series game 7, the Superbowl™, etc.).

The controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n may employclassification information provided by a gaming device player to limitor otherwise control the content of historical audio/video programmingprovided to the gaming device player during game play. For example, thecontroller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n may store a plurality ofoutcome tables (e.g., within one or more of the outcome databases 210,210′, 210″) each containing historical audio/video programming (orpointers to such programming) that relates to and/or is based on theclassification of audio/video programming selected by a gaming deviceplayer (e.g., audio/video programming that relates only to the team,athlete, actor, character(s), etc., selected by the gaming deviceplayer). Outcome values may be associated and stored with theaudio/video programming.

TABLE 1 includes a list of exemplary classifications of audio/videoprogramming that may be provided and/or made available to a gamingdevice player in accordance with the present invention (e.g., and usedto indicate an outcome value of a game result of game play at a gamingdevice 104 a-n). The data in TABLE 1 is merely exemplary, and it will beunderstood that other classifications of audio/video programming may beemployed. In general, such classifications may be selected by a gamingdevice player, the controller 102, a gaming device 104 a-n, or any otherrelevant party. Further, more than one classification of audio/videoprogramming may be provided during game play and/or a gaming session.

TABLE 1 EXEMPLARY EXEMPLARY CLASSIFICATION CONTENT FOR CONTENT FOR OFAUDIO/VIDEO LOW OUTCOME HIGH OUTCOME PROGRAMMING VALUE VALUE figureskating flawed execution Olympic gold performance bowling missed spareperfect game tennis unforced error match winning shot hockey shot wideOT winning goal Stock car racing side-by-side race checkered flag boxingseparating fighters KO punch wrestling lull in action 3-count pinbilliards/pool missed shot sunk trick shot action sports missed trickcontest winner reality TV failed investigation most wanted arrest (e.g.,Cops) TV Drama, SitCom blooper/out take; Emmy-winning characterexperiences a performance; character negative event (e.g., getsexperiences a positive dumped by his date) event (e.g., receives awelcomed proposal for marriage) Talk Shows denial reconciliation GameShows incorrect answer correct answer Nature Shows common domesticanimal rare/exotic animal scene scene

In another embodiment of the invention, historical audio/videoprogramming may form the basis of a bonus game at a gaming device 104a-n. For example, audio/video programming such as a scene from asituational comedy (SitCom) or other episode of programming, may bedisplayed to a gaming device player to indicate an outcome value of gameplay. Thereafter, the gaming device player may be prompted with a bonustrivia question (e.g., by the controller 102 and/or a gaming device 104a-n), and be entitled to an additional payout if the player answers thequestion correctly. Exemplary bonus questions might include the seasonin which the episode first aired, the name of the actor that plays thelead character, etc.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, historical audio/videoprogramming may be output to a gaming device player (e.g., by thecontroller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n) in a manner that providescommonality or continuity during game play (e.g., from one presentationof audio/video programming to the next during a gaming session). Forexample, if audio/video programming to be presented to a gaming deviceplayer is to be based on a golf classification in which a golferexecutes golf shots on an 18-hole golf course, the controller 102 and/ora gaming device 104 a-n may provide audio/video programming associatedwith the first golf hole of the golf course during the beginning portionof a gaming session, and may provide audio/video programming associatedwith subsequent golf holes thereafter (e.g., sequentially so that thegame player “progresses” through the 18-hole golf course during gameplay at the gaming device 104 a-n). The session status database 214(FIG. 2) may be employed to provide information regarding session starttimes and other relevant information to assist in such an embodiment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, audio/video programming to beoutput to a gaming device player during game play may be provided to thecontroller 102 and/or a gaming device 104 a-n by a gaming device player(e.g., using the event recording device 106, the World Wide Web or viaany other method). For example, the gaming device player may“pre-register” audio/video programming with the controller 102 and/or agaming device 104 a-n (e.g., for subsequent use when outcome values areindicated by the provision of audio/video programming to the player).

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the process by whichhistorical audio/video programming is selected for output to a gamingdevice player may be displayed to the player. For instance, a gamingdevice 104 a-n may display a plurality of small windows, each depictinga first scene of different audio/video programming that may be output tothe gaming device player (e.g., to indicate one or more outcome values).In a particular embodiment, the gaming device player, the controller 102and/or a gaming device 104 a-n may select any one of the audio/videoprogramming options for output to the gaming device player.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, theprovision of historical audio/video information to the gaming deviceplayer may entail providing multiple instances of audio videoprogramming relating to a single determination of an outcome value. Forexample, in accordance with an embodiment where the audio/videoprogramming depicts golfers executing golf shots, the provision ofaudio/video programming may entail providing three separate audio/videoclips (e.g. each of a threesome's tee shots). The outcome value may bedetermined by or indicated to the player should each of the clips conveysuccessful execution and/or a common result (e.g. all three playersreach the green in regulation).

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention,multiple outcome values may be indicated to a gaming device player viathe provision of a single instance of audio/video programming. Forexample, a plurality of outcome values may be interspersed throughout anentire episode of a television sitcom. In accordance with such anembodiment, a given episode may be associated with multiple arrangementsfor the provision of various outcome values or various combinations ofvalues to be output throughout the episode.

For example, a specific episode of a television sitcom may be associatedwith multiple payout tables (e.g. each character may be associated withone or more pay tables), one or more of which may be selected (e.g.randomly) by the gaming device and/or controller at the outset of playor at another time. In this manner, a gaming device player may selectpreferred audio/video content for output, without prior knowledge of theoutcome values to be provided. For example, according to one embodiment,a gaming device player may be provided with an outcome value each time acharacter speaks a particular line, phrase or type of phrase, each timea particular prop, type of prop or set is shown or used, etc. However,in a first viewing of a particular episode, the player may be providedwith a first value in response to a character speaking a particular linewhile in a second viewing of the episode (e.g., one that uses adifferent pay table to determine values for game results) the player maybe provided with a second value that is different from the first valueupon the same character speaking the same line.

According to one embodiment, the occurrence of a particular phrase, typeof phrase, prop, type of prop and/or set or another event may trigger abonus event. For example, the player may be entered into a bonusround-type game upon the occurrence of a particular (e.g. hallmark)phrase occurring within the audio/video content being provided.According to another embodiment, the occurrence of a particular phrase,type of phrase, prop or type of prop may trigger a negative outcome(e.g. an outcome having an adverse or downward effect on a player'stotal balance or a negative effect greater than the player's initialwager). Systems and methods employing negative outcomes are described inapplicants' co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/420,981,filed Apr. 22, 2003 in the name of Walker et al. and entitled GAMINGDEVICE METHOD AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING ALTERNATE PAYOUT FEATURES. Theentirety of this application is incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes.

According to another embodiment, each character (or groups of similarcharacters) in a given instance of audio/video programming (e.g. aparticular episode of a sitcom) may be associated with multiple paytables. Upon the selection of audio/video programming and a character(or group of characters) by a gaming device player, the appropriatepayout table(s) may be determined by the controller and/or gaming devicerandomly. For example, the overall expected value of all pay tablesassociated with a particular character or group of characters mayreflect a desired casino or gaming device manufacturer profitability orhouse edge.

According to yet another embodiment, the audio/video programming itselfmay act to inform the gaming device player of an outcome value.According to such an embodiment, the controller and/or the gaming devicemay determine an outcome value to be provided to a player, andsubsequently retrieve audio/video corresponding to the outcome value.For example, where it is determined that a gaming device player isentitled to a thirty-coin payout, the controller and/or gaming devicemay retrieve audio/video that includes a character speaking (or sceneshowing) the number “30”.

Various methods of determining that a character has spoken a particularword or phrase may be used. For example, in one embodiment speechrecognition software (e.g., stored in and executed by the gaming device)may be utilized to analyze the character's speech and recognize the wordor phrase. For example, the words or phrases spoken by the character (asrecognized via the speech recognition software) may be compared to listor database of predetermined words or phrases that may trigger anadjustment of the credit meter balance. In another embodiment, aprocessor (e.g., of a gaming device) may monitor the time from abeginning of the audio/video content and be programmed to adjust thecredit meter balance upon the occurrence of certain times as measuredfrom the starting time of the audio/video content. For example, a tableand/or subroutine of the times and corresponding amounts to be added tothe credit meter balance may be associated with the audio/video contentand used to provide payouts. In a more particular example, a particularepisode may be associated with a table and/or subroutine of payouts forthe episode. The table may indicate that a first payout (e.g., 5credits) is to be added to the credit meter balance at five seconds fromthe beginning of the episode, a second payout (e.g., 20 credits) is tobe added to the credit meter balance at fifteen seconds from thebeginning of the episode and a third payout (e.g., ten credits) is to beadded to the credit meter balance at thirty seconds from the beginningof the episode. The times the payouts are to be provided may bedetermined beforehand via an analysis of the episode (e.g., a casino orgaming device manufacturer employee may watch the episode and mark thepoints in the episode at which words and phrases that are to triggerpayouts occur, and the corresponding payouts that are to be provided).Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the presentdisclosure, would understand numerous other methods of determining whena particular word or phrase has been spoken by a character and that apayout is to be provided in response.

In one or more embodiments, a number may be associated with a player(e.g., randomly, based on one or more selections made by or on behalf ofa player) and a player may be provided with a payout based on how anumber spoken by a character relates to the number associated with theplayer. For example, if the number “30” is associated with a player, aplayer may be provided with a payout if a character speaks a numberequal or greater than “30” but no payout (or, e.g., a negative payout)if the character speaks a number less than “30.”

It should be noted that, in one or more embodiments, the historicalaudio/video content being output to a player via a gaming device mayalso be transmitted to one or more other players. For example, a largescreen display associated with one or more gaming devices and/or an areaof a casino may output historical audio/video content (e.g., an episodeof a television show) such that the content can be viewed by all playersin the vicinity of the screen. It should further be noted that, in suchembodiments, different players may received different payouts based onthe same historical audio/video content being transmitted via the largescreen display. For example, a first player playing a first gamingdevice may be associated with a first character and a first phrase whilea second player playing a second gaming device may be associated with asecond character and a second phrase. Thus, as the episode is output, ifthe first character speaks the first phrase, a first payout may be addedto a credit meter balance of the first gaming device and as the secondcharacter speaks the second phrase, a second payout may be added to acredit meter balance of the second gaming device. Thus, multiple playersmay view the same episode together but be rewarded for, and lookingforward to, different events occurring during the episode.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the following claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A gaming system comprising: atleast one input device; at least one display device; at least oneprocessor; and at least one memory device which stores a plurality ofinstructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, causethe at least one processor to operate with the at least one input deviceand the at least one display device to, for each play of a primary gameof a gaming session including a plurality of plays of the primary game:(a) receive a selection from a plurality of different audiovisualcategories, (b) receive a selection relating to the plurality ofdifferent audiovisual categories, (c) receive a primary game initiationsignal caused by the selection, (d) in response to the primary gameinitiation signal: (i) cause a random number generator to determine arandom number, and (ii) use the random number to determine a payout andan audiovisual clip to be displayed from the selected audiovisualcategory, wherein: (A) the audiovisual clip is indicative of a magnitudeof the determined payout, (B) content of the audiovisual clip isrepurposed from its former use as an entertainment broadcast and adaptedfor use in association with the primary game, and (C) use of thedetermined audiovisual clip in the primary game causes the determinedaudiovisual clip to be disallowed for reuse in subsequent plays of theprimary game of the gaming session, (e) display the determinedaudiovisual clip, and (f) provide the determined payout.
 2. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein the audiovisual clip is selected from atleast one of the group consisting of: a television show, a movie, acomedy show, and a sporting event.
 3. The gaming system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of different audiovisual categories include two ormore of: television shows, movies, comedy shows, or sporting events. 4.The gaming system of claim 1, wherein when executed by the at least oneprocessor, the plurality of instructions cause the at least oneprocessor to provide a bonus game including a trivia game based on theaudiovisual clip for each play of each primary game.
 5. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein when executed by the at least one processor,the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor toreceive a wager for each play of one of the primary games.
 6. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein when executed by the at least one processor,the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor toreceive a wager for the gaming session.
 7. A method of operating agaming device, the method comprising: (i) causing a processor to operatewith a display device and an input device to: (a) provide a gamingsession including a plurality of plays of a primary game, and (b) foreach play of the primary game to: (I) receive a selection from aplurality of different audiovisual categories using a user interfacewhich includes a display, (II) receive a selection relating to theplurality of different audiovisual categories through the userinterface, (III) receive a primary game initiation signal caused by theselection, (IV) in response to the primary game initiation signal, causea random number generator to determine a random number, and use therandom number to determine a payout and an audiovisual clip to bedisplayed from the selected audiovisual category: (A) the audiovisualclip being indicative of a magnitude of the determined payout, (B)content of the audiovisual clip being repurposed from its former use asan entertainment broadcast and adapted for use on the gaming device, and(C) use of the determined audiovisual clip in the primary game causingthe determined audiovisual clip to be disallowed for reuse in subsequentplays of the primary game of the gaming session, and (V) display thedetermined audiovisual clip, and (c) causing the processor to operatewith the display device to provide the determined payout for each playof the primary game.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the audiovisualclip is selected from at least one of the group consisting of: atelevision show, a movie, a comedy show, and a sporting event.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the plurality of different audiovisualcategories include two or more of: television shows, movies, comedyshows, or sporting events.
 10. The method of claim 7, which includesproviding a bonus game including a trivia game based on the audiovisualclip for each play of each primary game.
 11. The method of claim 7,which includes receiving a wager for each play of one of the primarygames.
 12. The method of claim 7, which includes receiving a wager forthe gaming session.
 13. The method of claim 7, which is provided througha data network.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the data network isthe internet.
 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium including aplurality of instructions, which when executed by at least oneprocessor, cause the at least one processor to, for each play of aprimary game of a gaming session including a plurality of plays of theprimary game: (a) receive a selection from a plurality of differentaudiovisual categories, (b) receive a selection relating to theplurality of different audiovisual categories, (c) receive a primarygame initiation signal caused by the selection, (d) in response to theprimary game initiation signal: (i) cause a random number generator todetermine a random number, and (ii) use the random number to determine apayout and an audiovisual clip to be displayed from the selectedaudiovisual category, wherein: (A) the audiovisual clip is indicative ofa magnitude of the determined payout, (B) content of the audiovisualclip is repurposed from its former use as an entertainment broadcast andadapted for use in association with the primary game, and (C) use of thedetermined audiovisual clip in the primary game causes the determinedaudiovisual clip to be disallowed for reuse in subsequent plays of theprimary game of the gaming session, (e) cause at least one displaydevice to display the determined audiovisual clip, and (f) provide thedetermined payout.
 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the audiovisual clip is selected from at least one ofthe group consisting of: a television show, a movie, a comedy show, anda sporting event.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the plurality of different audiovisual categoriesinclude two or more of: television shows, movies, comedy shows, orsporting events.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein when executed by the at least one processor, theplurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to provide abonus game including a trivia game based on the audiovisual clip foreach play of each primary game.
 19. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 15, wherein when executed by the at least one processor,the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor toreceive a wager for each play of one of the primary games.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein whenexecuted by the at least one processor, the plurality of instructionscause the at least one processor to receive a wager for the gamingsession.